How many allowances on W-4 if married with one child?

Question

My work had sent me a W-4 form to fill out now that I am married. Problem is, I'm not sure how much I should put down for allowances to claim?

I certainly do not want to owe money nor do I know if my husband and I are going to file jointly or separately. I generally just claimed "1" or "2" because I have one son. I'm just unsure of what to claim now and how much additional payments I need taken out per paycheck.

Anyone have any advice? Is claiming "0" going to be enough or can I do that even though I have a child? I don't want to be totally flat broke but also do not want to pay in come tax time.

Answer 1

If you have been getting EIC, you very possibly won't get that any more.  You definitely won't if you file separately from your husband - and if you file a joint return, your JOINT income will be considered to determine if you are eligible, not just yours.

But unless he has added allowances to HIS W-4 because of you and/or your son, you should be OK with one or two allowances.

Answer 2

I would think you would still be okay claiming 1, so you have less taken out. Even claiming one, you should still have a return at the end of the year, depending on your income. If you have previously claimed your son every year and had a refund, you will more than likely still receive one. Sometimes even more when you are married, but that does depend on how much your new hubby makes and how you decide to file. But I think either way claiming 1 will still keep you safe.

Answer 3

You should follow the instructions that came with the W-4 form based on how you plan to file.

More than likely, filing jointly will be the best financial decision.  You should make that decision now when completing your W-4 form in order for the math to work out right when you file your taxes early next year.

Just follow the instructions and it'll turn out right.