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

[nks526]

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?

[VolvoGirl]

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.  

[macuser_22]

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@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?

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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

[nks526]

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.

[nks526]

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.