How to adjust W4 after marriage?

[alextargetn]

I am newly married and filing jointly. at the end of 2024. I resubmitted my W4 to work, changing the filing status from "head of the household" to "married jointly.". I have a 20-year-old daughter who is dependent on me.

My spouse is currently working on resubmitting his W4, changing status from single filer to "married filing jointly." Does he also include the daughter as dependent on his W4? Could you please advise?

[xmasbaby0]

Although you may be claiming your 20 year old daughter as a dependent on your joint return, you will only get a $500 credit for other dependents for her; she is too old for the child tax credit.   So listing her on only one W-4 or on both will have only a minor effect either way.   

Use the IRS withholding estimator to help you.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/w4/ 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf

[NCperson]

@alextargetn to answer your specific question, the dependent should only be listed on ONE W-4 and best that the spouse with the highest income do that. 

Also, it is best to complete the IRS Withholding Estimator tool so that the W-4s are completed correctly.  It is otherwise somewhat 'messy' when there are two W-2s (either one person working two jobs or a married couple each working).

Have your most recent paystubs handy when completing this tool; it will tell you exactly how to complete each W-4. 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator