efiling tax withholding adjustment

[jannettj79]

My spouse just accidentally efiled her taxes, but she had made tax withholding adjustments (and according to rules should be submitted in paper). Should we call someone to cancel that efile and turn in a paper file, or should we just wait for the IRS to contact us about the error?

[Mike9241]

you say she filed her taxes. what about your taxes? generally filing a joint return is best in most circumstances.

you say she made withholding adjustments which require paper filing. what rules?

you cannot cancel an efile but if it doesn't pass certain IRS checks it will be rejected.  

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot cancel an e-file.   You have to wait to see if the return is accepted or rejected.   If the e-file is rejected, then corrections can be made to the return and it can be re-submitted.   If the IRS accepts the e-file, you have to wait for it to be fully processed and then amend if necessary to make corrections.  And....you say your spouse filed "her" return.   Did you file married filing separately?   Why?  That is usually the worst way to file.   If you were  married at the end of 2024 then a joint return probably would have been a better option.  If you (she) need to amend the return, here is some information about that:

If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/income/getting-married-mean-taxes/L2Rgma...

[NCperson]

@jannettj79 what kind of "withholding ajdustments" and why?  normally. withholdings are directly from a W-2, pension or SS statement or similar statements.  Why would they require adjustment? 

[SteamTrain]

@jannettj79 

And...thinking about your post some more......and perhaps guessing some about what you might be referring to:

__________________________

If she went thru the software section about changing her withholding by preparing a new W-4 form?

1)  That W-4 does not affect her e-filing of 2024 taxes.....and the 2024 tax file submitted doesn't include anything in it about that W-4 form.

2)  The W-4 form she "might" have prepared is a stand-alone paper form that she would print out and give to her employer. 

That new W-4 form does not affect the 2024 tax return in any way.....and can be completely ignored and put in the trash if you/she thinks it wasn't properly prepared.   And either/both of you can prepare a new W-4 on your own, to give to either of your employers at any time...IF...if you think you need to adjust the tax withholding from your paychecks.

[Opus 17]

Sorry to pile on, but your question makes no sense.

1. If you e-filed a tax return, it can't be canceled.  If it is accepted by the IRS, it will be processed.  If it is incorrect, you will have to file an amended return after the first return is processed.  Sometimes a tax return is rejected by the IRS after e-filing, this usually happens within the first 48 hours and means that something on the tax return didn't pass the IRS top-level verification process.  In that case, it is if it was never filed.  You can make corrections and re-submit when ready.

2. You never make withholding adjustments on a tax return.  Withholding is the system used by employers to have the correct amount of tax withheld from each paycheck.  If you want to change your withholding, you have to talk directly to your employers.