W-4

[Freeme]

I am a recent widow.  I need to change my W-4 form.

What should my status be?  What should my exemptions be?

[mtran7]

Hello Freeme!

I am sorry for your loss.  If your spouse passed in 2023 you will file your tax return for 2023 as married filing jointly.  Then the next year you will file as single, head of house hold, or qualifying widower if you have dependents and have not gotten remarried. 

Here is a short survey on the IRS website about what your filing status should be  https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/what-is-my-filing-status

This will help you determine if you should change your W4 to single or if you have any exemptions. 

Here is more information on filing statuses:  https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/theres-more-to-determining-filing-status-than-being-married-or-single

No matter how you file on your return, if you do not have any dependents then you should not take any exemptions on your W4 or you run the risk of not having enough tax taken out. 

I hope this helps. 

[Freeme]

Thank you, this is helpful.    What about with holdings, should I withhold more for taxes, if so, approximately how much?

[mtran7 · Accepted solution]

Here is a link to a tool that will help you determine if you need to withhold more.   https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/w4/

[JBedford]

Based on the information provided, I have no reason to suspect that you would need "extra" withholding. I would just fill out the W-4 as it applies to your situation, which sounds to me like it would likely be Step 1 only. Unless I'm missing something, it doesn't sound like Steps 2-4 of the form would apply to you. However, if this does not produce the desired result when you actually file your tax return, then you can always make adjustments at that time. Hope this helps! 

[bkaytaxes]

Hello  @Freeme 

So sorry for your loss.  That is a great questions.  Anytime we have a large life event we should take a look at our withholdings to make sure we are on track.  

Intuit has a great tool that lets you know how to fill out the W-4 based on your situation.  Here is our W-4 Tool:  https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/w4/

Also TaxCaster can let you know where you stand so far this year and if you need to make changes.  Also TaxCaster is great to use a withholding checkup during the year to ensure your are on track. Here is the link:  https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/

These are two great tools to get you on track and input various scenarios to help you make informed decisions.

Wishing you all the best.

[Freeme]

This forum has been very helpful.   Thank you Experts!