Can I increase w4 federal withholding to compensate for my spouse not having any?

[ratkorn420]

We both have w2 jobs, she makes about half what I make and apparently it isn't enough because her employer doesn't withhold federal tax but mine does. Our w4s are the same, entered 2 kids and checked the box in section 2. We had to owe this year at filing time, and had an underpayment penalty. To avoid this for next year at tax time, can I just increase my withholdings to compensate for hers? If so, would I just take the amount we had pay and divide that by my remaining paychecks in 2025 and have that withheld as additional? Assuming our income and tax situation is the same.

[DawnC · Accepted solution]

Good idea!  Yes, you and/or your spouse can give your employer(s) updated W-4.   You can make changes to your and/or hers to add additional withholding to avoid owing next year.    You can either print out new W-4(s), fill it out per the instructions, and give it to your employer  OR you can do it in TurboTax.   How to fill out and print out a new W-4 in TurboTax?   Assuming everything stays the same, adding the additional withholding as you described, will avoid underpayment penalties next year.  

W-4 tax withholding calculator - Using the tax withholding calculator can help determine the correct amounts to input on the form.

Form W-4 and Your Take Home Pay