My husband and I file separately because of my student loans. However, the last 2 years our taxes have been off because of our W4's. We both have similar paying jobs. He makes roughly $41,000 and I make $54,000. My employer is great at having our paperwork in order, however, his is not. I believe I have the issues with his W4 figured out to avoid any issues this coming tax year. However, I was instructed to complete new W4's for both of us at married filing single, and I was also instructed to check box 2(C) on each of our W4's, as well as add a little cushion of withholding at $20 each in box 4(C). I'm okay with the changes being requested, except checking box 2(C). The W4 clearly explains that you only check this box if married filing jointly or if I have more than one job. Technically, we do not qualify to check the box based off it's description because we're married filing separately. Am I totally confused? Do I check box 2(C) for both of us at MFS? HELP please and thank you!
Don't stress over the filing status you use on your W-4. It only goes to the employer; it does not go to the IRS and it does not dictate how you have to file your tax return. Enter whatever it takes to get the amount withheld that you want.
No, you do not need to check the box for more than one job when you are filing as married filing separately UNLESS you are in a community property state as that can affect your returns even when you file separately.
If you are not in a community property state and are each having an extra $20 taken from your checks, this should be enough to cover as filing MFS so you would not need to check box 2c.