Filling out W2

[ihsan125]

Hello,

We are a married filing jointly. One spouse has a salary that is over double than the others.  Can you please advise on the best way to complete the W4 for each spouse. I included a screenshot of mine. We are confused on which spouse should take the deduction. We have 2 kids. 

[Critter-3]

Use the Tax Withholding Estimator on the IRS web site to figure out what you and your spouse  should each put on the W-4 forms that you give to your employers. It's much easier than using the worksheets on the form. It will let you adjust your withholding to get the approximate refund amount that you want.

Tax Withholding Estimator

[GabyC-EA]

Hi @ihsan125 .

If you and your spouse will file Married Filing jointly, only one of you should claim the dependents. Which one claims the dependents in the W4 will not make a difference when you file your taxes since your income and deductions are combined.  

You use TurboTax W-4 calculator to help you fill out your W4. You can adjust the withholding for a bigger tax refund or more take-home pay.

W-4 Calculator 2022

[ihsan125]

Thank you @GabyC-EA. Does it make a difference which estimator I use (IRS or Turbotax)?

[Critter-3]

Use both ... see if you get the same answer.  I think you both need to use the single filing status and only the higher wage should mention having kids  based on my experience.  Then leave the rest of the W-4 form blank. 

[ihsan125]

Thank you as well

[SuziM]

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