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
New Member
posted May 31, 2019 7:37:56 PM

I noticed my refund went down when I added my wife's W-2. Why?

We file jointly, and my Federal Refund went down after I added her W2.  I thought it would go up?

0 3 2893
1 Best answer
Level 7
May 31, 2019 7:37:57 PM

It is quite common for this to happen.  Your tax liability is calculated on your total income (after deductions and credits), not on each W2.  As your taxable income increases, your tax liability increases and you may even get placed into a higher tax bracket.  Also, as taxable income increases, you may lose eligibility for income-based tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit or lose the ability to claim certain deductions.  

3 Replies
Level 7
May 31, 2019 7:37:57 PM

It is quite common for this to happen.  Your tax liability is calculated on your total income (after deductions and credits), not on each W2.  As your taxable income increases, your tax liability increases and you may even get placed into a higher tax bracket.  Also, as taxable income increases, you may lose eligibility for income-based tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit or lose the ability to claim certain deductions.  

New Member
Feb 1, 2020 9:01:21 PM

Would it be better to then file separate from eachother? 

Expert Alumni
Feb 2, 2020 8:45:22 AM

It is unlikely that married filing separately will give you a better refund. The refund calculator is in-process until everything has been entered. For lower-income scenarios, credits are applied whereas the credits are not allowed for higher-income returns. 

 

To learn more: Why did my refund drop when I entered a second W-2?

Is it better for a married couple to file jointly or separately?