My wife is starting a new job and has to file a w-4. I am working and we normally file Married filing jointly. How should she fill out her w-4?

[DoninGA]

Usually the spouse with the lower income will complete the W-4 as Single.

But use this IRS tax withholding estimator for guidance - https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

[rubezahl]

Thanks for the link.  However, the estimator's first question is how to file.  I don't know how she should file.  We are married and have 2 kids, not a special tax case.  How do most other folks file the w-4 so that they either break even or get a small refund at tax time?

[DoninGA]

When you are married in most all cases from a tax standpoint you should be filing as Married Filing Jointly even if one spouse has little or no income.  Your tax brackets are higher and you are eligible for more tax credits versus filing separately.

[DoninGA]

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@rubezahl wrote:

Thanks for the link.  However, the estimator's first question is how to file.  I don't know how she should file.  We are married and have 2 kids, not a special tax case.  How do most other folks file the w-4 so that they either break even or get a small refund at tax time?

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The W-4 is only used to determine the amount of taxes that should be withheld from the wages.  If does not determine or is used for the filing status on your tax return.  So you can indicate Single on the W-4 without affecting your filing status on your tax return.

[rubezahl]

Correct, I file Married filing Jointly and have completed my w-4 claiming my kids as dependents.   I make more money than her.  Should she file her w-4 as married filing jointly as well? or file single?

[rubezahl]

Ok, so even though my wife is not single for the purposes of tax withholding she should complete the W-4 as a singe person.  I keep my w-4 the same, claiming my kids as dependents.  Do I count my wife as a dependent?  or since she has a job do I drop her as a dependent?

[DoninGA · Accepted solution]

Entering herself as Single on the W-4 should suffice so that jointly you will have enough taxes withheld when reporting your income on the 2024 tax return filing jointly.

Also, a spouse is never claimed as a dependent, on a W-4 or on a tax return.