How does claiming more dependents on your W-4 affect your tax return at the end of the year?

[slamar1230]

My husband and I both worked last year and I claimed my daughter he claimed his 2 kids. However, he lost his job. I'm wondering if I would now claim all 3 kids if it will affect our tax return to where we will have to pay in at end of the year

[Hal_Al]

Yes, you should be claiming his kids if you file as Married Filing Jointly.  Claiming more dependents, reduces your withholding which also reduces your refund when you file.  But, you still should not owe anything at tax filing time. 

[Critter-3]

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