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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 5:52:37 PM

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

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.  

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1 Best answer
Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:52:41 PM

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.

3 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:52:39 PM

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/calculators/w4/</a>

Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:52:41 PM

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.

Level 15
May 31, 2019 5:52:42 PM

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.