What do i need to choose on my State tax Form DE 4 for married filing separately. 1. Single or married(with 2 or more incomes) 2.married one income 3. head of household

[imrankhalid-006]

I am Married but i will want to file my taxes separately. I just need help in choosing the right filing status on California Tax Form DE 4
Single or Married (with two or more incomes)
Married (one income)
Head of Household

[npierson7]

Your best choice for that form would be Single or Married (with one income), if your filing status Married Filing Separately. 

[imrankhalid-006]

Thanks for the response.

Last year,I chose married(one income) but now while filing tax returns, I noticed the amount due that I need to pay to IRS instead of receiving anything from them . 

[DMarkM1]

First, the state DE 4 does not affect your Federal taxes/withholding only the state taxes.  You should compare your state tax refund to last year to see the form DE 4 effects. 

If you want to change your federal withholding that is federal form W4.  Here is a calculator to help with adjusting that form.  

What normally happens because the married withholding rate is less than the single withholding, the married option would be less withholding from your pay and higher year end taxes.  

The same concept applies to the federal form as well.  Less withholding means bigger take home paychecks but more taxes at year end.  

If you want bigger refunds you should select the single option for less take home pay with more state taxes withheld.