turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Spouse incorrectly had W4 marked as "single" with no withholdings

Sorry if this is a repeat question. I searched the data base and didn't see a discussion around this. I JUST found out my spouse had "single" and zero withholdings in her W4. However, I filed hers and mine together as married filing jointly. I was very surprised how much we owed in taxes this year until I found today her "single" status probably pushed us to the next tax bracket.  Lovely.

 

I'm curious if we can amend our returns because of this misstep -- or whether we just need to eat it because the IRS has deemed her in a different status?

This feature is pending. Thanks for your patience.
Didn't get the answer you wanted? Our digital assistant can help you.
4 Replies

Spouse incorrectly had W4 marked as "single" with no withholdings

What you claim on the W4 doesn't have to match your actual tax return.  Did you check her paystubs?  They weren't taking any withholding out?  I'm married but always claim Single at work to have more taken out.  

 

You can't amend to change the past withholding.  You can't go back and have the employer take out more for 2020 now.  You can only change it going forward for 2021.  

 

 

Spouse incorrectly had W4 marked as "single" with no withholdings


@nks526 wrote:

Sorry if this is a repeat question. I searched the data base and didn't see a discussion around this. I JUST found out my spouse had "single" and zero withholdings in her W4. However, I filed hers and mine together as married filing jointly. I was very surprised how much we owed in taxes this year until I found today her "single" status probably pushed us to the next tax bracket.  Lovely.

 

I'm curious if we can amend our returns because of this misstep -- or whether we just need to eat it because the IRS has deemed her in a different status?


The W-4 has not effect on your tax return.

 

Actually "single" has a higher withholding rate then joint.    Your real problem is having two incomes.  Each employer withhold based on what they pay but when added together is often not enough withholding.   You might want adjust both W-4's to increase the withholding.

 

The IRS has a calculator  for that.

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator


Also See this FAQ:
Why did my refund drop when I entered another W-2?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3798403

 

 

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

Spouse incorrectly had W4 marked as "single" with no withholdings

Thanks for the quick response -- smart idea on your end to take more out so we don't owe in April. I may need to do that.

Spouse incorrectly had W4 marked as "single" with no withholdings

Thanks -- we'll need to figure out what our "sweet spot" is in terms of withholding so we're not hammered with another payment (or penalty) next year. 

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
message box icon

Ready to start your taxes?

Hand off your taxes, get expert help, or do it yourself.

See Pricing
Manage cookies
v