Did I underpay tax by selecting the wrong Federal filing status on my company's HR system?

[chrisbeef]

Hi,

When I joined my company they used a app called Gusto to manage the HR payroll side. When I filled in the data about myself I did not know at the time that as I had just moved to the US I was classed as a Non Resident. Therefore, I incorrectly put down Married Jointly and also claimed a dependent child. I have since learned as about to do my taxes that I am a Non Resident (and will use Sprintax hopefully) and aren't allowed to claim a dependent (as I'm a UK citizen who moved from Hong Kong) and that I had to file married individually not jointly.

So my question is - because of my initial mistake have I paid/withheld too little tax by my company using the wrong tax bracket? If so, What should I do? Do I need to try and pay the tax before I file or can I just pay the owed tax after I file? If I pay after I'm wonder if they will fine me for underpaying?

Thanks,
Chris

[ErnieS0]

You will probably owe tax if you withheld as married filing joint with one child. At this point, it’s too late to make an estimated tax payment for 2022.

You can pay the amount due when you file. If you plan to file an extension you should make an extension payment, otherwise, the IRS will continue to add penalties and interest on any unpaid tax after April 18.

You can ask the IRS for penalty relief.

See Penalty Relief due to First Time Abate or Other Administrative Waiver.

[mkstran]

Sounds like you did underpay your 2022 taxes. Go ahead and file your 2022 return and pay any money owed when you file. Also, if you are working for the same employer, change your tax withholding for 2023.

[JamesG1]

You may be subject to an estimated tax penalty on line 38 of the 1040-NR Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return.

File your return on or before April 18, 2023, and make payment in full by April 18, 2023 (or earlier) and the IRS will not penalize you 

further.

@mkstran 

[chrisbeef]

Hi All,

So I used Sprintax and according to it's calculation I'm owed a refund? So I'm helping that's true.

Thanks