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New Member
posted Jun 6, 2019 7:16:25 AM

Married, filing separately, no children. I am retired. Like to know how many allowances should I claim on my Federal Tax Withholding Election Form for 2017?

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3 Replies
Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:16:27 AM

If you are providing an employer or your retirement fund a W-4 it will be for the year 2018.  The W-4 for 2018 has not been released for 2018 by the IRS.  See this IRS website - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-withholding-for-2018">https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-withholding-for-2018</a>

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:16:28 AM

See OP's prior posts.

Level 15
Jun 6, 2019 7:16:31 AM

Why do you want to file separate returns? Do you know it makes more of your Social Security taxable?

If you were married at the end of 2017 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will each receive the $4050 personal exemption, plus the married filing jointly standard deduction of $12,700 (add $1250 for each spouse over the age of 65).  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.  In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI) If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.


https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately



https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states