I am married with 2 kids. How many deductions should each of us have on our W4?

[user987356]

Both wife and husband make a combined $180k / year ($110-husband / $70k-wife).  We have always filed jointly.  Ever since we had our kids, we have always had to pay at the end of the year.  How should we be claiming deductions on our W-4?  How many should the husband deduct, and how many should the wife deduct?  I want to Zero out at the end of the year, not pay.  

[Texas Roger]

Have you tried using the TurboTax calculator? <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/w4/">https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calcula...>

[SweetieJean · Accepted solution]

Many couples in your situation claim "Married, but withhold at Higher Single Rate," with zero exemptions each, and even have an extra flat dollar amount withheld.

[Critter]

Agreed ... Single & zero for the lower wage earner and Married & zero for the higher wage should keep you safe.  If you find your refund is too large then put 1 or 2 on line 5 of the higher wage earner and leave the lower wage alone.