If we take the standard deduction each year, why would there be an underpayment penalty of $77 on estimated taxes attached to our balance due?

The underpayment penalty has nothing to do with the Standard deduction. It is only based on the amount of tax you owe, and when it was paid.

 

Did you have taxes withheld from all of your other sources of income?

If you didn't, and you owe over $1,000, you will have an underpayment penalty.

 

The underpayment penalty will be assessed if any of these apply:

• "If you don’t pay enough tax through withholding and estimated tax payments, you may have to pay a penalty."
• "You also may have to pay a penalty if your estimated tax payments are late, even if you are due a refund when you file your tax return."

To avid the under payment penalty:

• The amount you owe is less than $1,000, after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.
• You paid 90% of the tax that you owed for the current year.
• You paid 100% of the previous year tax, (110% for higher incomes).
• If your previous year's adjusted gross income was more than $150,000 you will have to pay in 110% of your previous year's taxes to satisfy the "safe-harbor" requirement.

"Typically, underpayment penalties are 5% of the underpaid amount, and they're capped at 25%. 

Underpaid taxes also accrue interest at a rate that the IRS sets annually."

 

To avoid this situation it is recommended that you adjust your W-4 with your employer or pay estimated taxes.

Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals Penalty

On your 1040 line 38? That's not for filing or paying late. And is not about last year. If you do not pay in enough tax from withholding and estimates, you may have to pay a penalty for underpayment of estimated tax. Even if you are getting a refund you can still owe a penalty for not paying in evenly during the year. Generally, most taxpayers will avoid this penalty if they owe less than $1,000 in tax after subtracting their withholdings and credits, or if they paid at least 90% of the tax for the current year, or 100% of the tax shown on the return for the prior year, whichever is smaller. It is included in your tax due or reduces your refund.

You might be able to eliminate it or at least reduce it. You can go to Federal Taxes tab or Personal tab, under Other Tax Situations and select Start by the Underpayment Penalties. You will answer a series of questions that may reduce or eliminate the penalty. Or you can elect to have the IRS figure the penalty for you. It's form 2210.

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Underpayment Penalties - Click the Start or update button