W2 says single but filed married/filing jointly

[rosieang]

I got married Nov 2015 and had filed my taxes "married/filing jointly" with my husband for tax year 2015 and 2016. I am in the process of gathering documents for an upcoming immigration interview and I noticed that I forgot to change my status through my employer. My w2 and pay statements since 2015 indicate single, although our tax returns indicate "married/filing jointly". Is this a concern for IRS?

[SweetieJean]

The status that you claim on your W-4 form is solely for purposes of tax withholding, and can be different than your actual status. For example, see

Married, but withhold at higher Single rate

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf

[rosieang]

I apologize, but I don't still get it. Does this mean I can still continue claiming "single-0" as long as I file my tax "married/filing jointly" with my husband next year?

[Critter · Accepted solution]

Yes you can withhold any way you want since the allowances claimed  on the W-4 do not need to be the same as the exemptions & filing status on the return.

In fact many married people need to with hold at the higher single rate if both parties work and have few deductions  since the married withholding charts are written for a one income family.  Read the W-4 carefully and review the 2 income section so you both withhold the correct way.

[rosieang]

Thank you so much for this comment. My husband and I do have few deductions. I was just concerned that I did something illegal. This puts me at ease. Thank you.

[Pr1ncessw3ndy]

I have a similar situation as yours now. I want to know wether your immigration interview is fine with your “single” status on w-2 form. Or you had your employer correct it for you. Thank you!