Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Level 2
posted Oct 26, 2022 9:40:17 AM

Filling out W2

Hello,

We are a married filing jointly. One spouse has a salary that is over double than the others.  Can you please advise on the best way to complete the W4 for each spouse. I included a screenshot of mine. We are confused on which spouse should take the deduction. We have 2 kids. 

1 6 325
6 Replies
Level 15
Oct 26, 2022 9:44:21 AM

Use the Tax Withholding Estimator on the IRS web site to figure out what you and your spouse  should each put on the W-4 forms that you give to your employers. It's much easier than using the worksheets on the form. It will let you adjust your withholding to get the approximate refund amount that you want.


Tax Withholding Estimator

Employee Tax Expert
Oct 26, 2022 9:58:44 AM

Hi @ihsan125 .

 

If you and your spouse will file Married Filing jointly, only one of you should claim the dependents. Which one claims the dependents in the W4 will not make a difference when you file your taxes since your income and deductions are combined.  

You use TurboTax W-4 calculator to help you fill out your W4. You can adjust the withholding for a bigger tax refund or more take-home pay.

 

W-4 Calculator 2022

Level 2
Oct 26, 2022 10:06:05 AM

Thank you @GabyC-EA. Does it make a difference which estimator I use (IRS or Turbotax)?

Level 15
Oct 26, 2022 10:21:51 AM

Use both ... see if you get the same answer.  I think you both need to use the single filing status and only the higher wage should mention having kids  based on my experience.  Then leave the rest of the W-4 form blank. 

Level 2
Oct 26, 2022 8:04:20 PM

Thank you as well

Moderator
Oct 27, 2022 9:33:59 AM

Thanks for your participation in our Ask the Expert event regarding "How does the Child Tax Credit and Dependent Care Credit impact this year's tax return for you?"! We’d love to get your input on the event and your TurboTax experience: Click here to leave a video testimonial.