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Can husband and I both say Single on W4?

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
April 20, 2022
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Would it be more beneficial for us both to say Single on our W4s (and then file MFJ next year)? Or should we both hit MFJ on W4? Or based on who makes more money, one of us use Single, and the other use MFJ on W4? Thanks!

Best answer by Opus 17

@TAX95 wrote:

Thank you! I make significantly more than my husband. Should he still check off Box 2C? I thought that was only if both salaries were similar?

It looks like if you use the worksheet for step 4, then the lower paying job will not check box 2c (that job stops at step 2b.)

The IRS calculation is probably the best way to go if you have time to use it. It's very detailed but gives very accurate results.

O

Opus 17

Employee

First, how you file your W-4 has nothing to do with and is not binding on how you file your tax return. In most cases, filing MFS will cost you more tax, because some credits and deductions are reduced or disallowed for MFS. The W-4 is only to set the withholding so you pay into the system approximately what you will owe in tax, so you don't owe too much or get too big a refund.

Using the new W-4, you should complete the W-4 calculations once for the two of you, completing all the instructions and worksheets on all 4 pages, not just the front page that goes to the employer. The worksheets will tell you how a W-4 should be filed with each employer. For example, the instructions suggest that the lowest earner should only fill out Step 1, and check the two-earner box in Step 2c, while the higher earner should fill out Steps 3 and 4 using the worksheet on page 3.

There is also an online calculator that will give you recommendations.

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

T

TAX95Author

Thank you! I make significantly more than my husband. Should he still check off Box 2C? I thought that was only if both salaries were similar?

O

Opus 17Answer

Employee

@TAX95 wrote:

Thank you! I make significantly more than my husband. Should he still check off Box 2C? I thought that was only if both salaries were similar?

It looks like if you use the worksheet for step 4, then the lower paying job will not check box 2c (that job stops at step 2b.)

The IRS calculation is probably the best way to go if you have time to use it. It's very detailed but gives very accurate results.