Marriage and W-4

[corvusheart 163]

Hello everyone. First of all I am the USC.

I was just recently married to my lovely englishman last month. However I am not sure if I am supposed to change my W-4 or not?

1. Am I required to change my W-4?

2. If I am required, when do I need to change it by? And will I get penalties if I don't change it in time?

3. If I am required, how do I do it?

Also my last name has not been changed with my employer yet. I contacted HR about my last name change and marriage status they said they would send me a packet in the mail to change my last name and get him on my Health Insurance. Then I have to mail the packet back in with my marriage certificate. Should I wait till this is done before I change my W-4?

Edited August 11, 2014 by corvusheart

[kylem 0]

You're not required to change your W-4. All the W-4 does is help your employer to determine how much tax to withhold from your paycheck. You are still liable for all taxes at the end of the year no matter what your W-4 says. Essentially the fewer exemptions you have, the more tax will be withheld. Your safest bet is to leave it as single, and then when you figure your taxes at the end of the year you are less likely to owe anything extra.

[Ed and Gina 45]

You don't need to change it. The W4 is held by your employer for tax deductions/payroll. The IRS really doesn't see it. No penalties.

Edited August 11, 2014 by Ed and Gina

[corvusheart 163]

We ARE married. We just married on July 22nd.

[Ed and Gina 45]

Since you were married this year...you don't have to worry about anything until next tax season...then just file as married filing jointly or married filing as separate. Jointly is a better option. You can change your W4 to reflect that you're married...and you might get more in your paycheck...but, you might owe more at tax time. It all depends. If you have someone who does your taxes, talk to them about the possibilities.

We ARE married. We just married on July 22nd.

Yes...I went back and saw that and revised my post - my bad.

[corvusheart 163]

So do I need to change my W-4's martial status to "married" since I am married now? If so, do I need to input any "withholdings"?

[Mollie09 1,543]

I've been married for six months and am waiting until next April to change mine...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

So do I need to change my W-4's martial status to "married" since I am married now? If so, do I need to input any "withholdings"?

You don't need to change it. It is a tool, not any official tax form; not an immigration form. The IRS will not see it. USCIS won't see it. No problem letting it ride as is. It is to estimate how much tax to hold out of your paycheck.

If you want to change it, why don't you wait and send it to the employer when you send back your name change packet. Put your married name on it and send it with the other stuff.

Edited August 11, 2014 by Nich-Nick