Tax Question

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

So next year my wife will be able to do her ROC. My question is about filing taxes and what looks good as a bonafide marriage. For last year we claimed "single" on our W-4, (to take the most taxes out of our paychecks), but we filed jointly. My accountant said there is no difference between claiming "single" or "married at higher single rate when it comes to tax deductions, but filing "separately" or "jointly" is what would have more affect with regard to ROC.

So my question is, should we claim "married at higher single rate" on our W-4s? Will this come back to haunt us if we continue to claim "single?" Or does it really not matter so long as we file jointly?

[Cheezees 1,514]

From what I have gathered, there are there categories:

1. Single

2. Married filing jointly, and

3. Married filing separately.

Which one did you choose?

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

From what I have gathered, there are there categories:

1. Single

2. Married filing jointly, and

3. Married filing separately.

Which one did you choose?

We filed Married, filing jointly.

BUT

On our W-4 (the form you sign at your employer every year to determine your tax rate), there are also 3 choices:

Single

Married, but at higher Single Rate

Married

We both chose single in this instance.

[almost_umrican 54]

Why complex things ? you guys can do this after she is naturalized. Not that you did was wrong , it can just create confusion and remember the onus of showing proofs for bonafide marriage will be on you guys. just a suggestion.

Edited October 16, 2015 by almost_umrican

[Helpme123 9]

What you did on the W-4 doesn't matter. You may end up having to pay more tax for not witholding enough or visa versa.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

Why complex things ? you guys can do this after she is naturalized. Not that you did was wrong , it can just create confusion and remember the onus of showing proofs for bonafide marriage will be on you guys. just a suggestion.

Well for me, it was more out of habit to choose "Single." So I suggested my wife claim "single" because that's what I have always done. My accountant says it doesn't matter as "single" and "married at higher single rate" are both taxed the same; but "filing married but separate," looks peculiar with regard to K-1/CR-1 couples as opposed to "married filing jointly."

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

Why complex things ? you guys can do this after she is naturalized. Not that you did was wrong , it can just create confusion and remember the onus of showing proofs for bonafide marriage will be on you guys. just a suggestion.

+1

Why complicate things further when you can put on your W4's married but withhold at a higher single rate.

[usmsbow 802]

So next year my wife will be able to do her ROC. My question is about filing taxes and what looks good as a bonafide marriage. For last year we claimed "single" on our W-4, (to take the most taxes out of our paychecks), but we filed jointly. My accountant said there is no difference between claiming "single" or "married at higher single rate when it comes to tax deductions, but filing "separately" or "jointly" is what would have more affect with regard to ROC.

So my question is, should we claim "married at higher single rate" on our W-4s? Will this come back to haunt us if we continue to claim "single?" Or does it really not matter so long as we file jointly?

You are joint filing. That's what matters. Your accountant is right. The w-4 just determines how much your employer deducts from your paycheck. I don't know why you'd even include it in your submission.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 193]

You are joint filing. That's what matters. Your accountant is right. The w-4 just determines how much your employer deducts from your paycheck. I don't know why you'd even include it in your submission.

Oh we didn't submit anything yet. We were just wondering if USCIS would "dig deep" beyond our joint file return and see our W-4 elections.

[Cheezees 1,514]

There is no advantage/disadvantage to choosing married but filing separately for ROC purposes. Your accountant is incorrect on that point.

[Sukie 1,465]

So next year my wife will be able to do her ROC. My question is about filing taxes and what looks good as a bonafide marriage. For last year we claimed "single" on our W-4, (to take the most taxes out of our paychecks), but we filed jointly. My accountant said there is no difference between claiming "single" or "married at higher single rate when it comes to tax deductions, but filing "separately" or "jointly" is what would have more affect with regard to ROC.

So my question is, should we claim "married at higher single rate" on our W-4s? Will this come back to haunt us if we continue to claim "single?" Or does it really not matter so long as we file jointly?

What you put on your W-4 DOES NOT MATTER. As long as you file either Married, filing separately or Married, filing jointly, you are fine.

Sukie in NY

[Amhara 460]

So next year my wife will be able to do her ROC. My question is about filing taxes and what looks good as a bonafide marriage. For last year we claimed "single" on our W-4, (to take the most taxes out of our paychecks), but we filed jointly. My accountant said there is no difference between claiming "single" or "married at higher single rate when it comes to tax deductions, but filing "separately" or "jointly" is what would have more affect with regard to ROC.

So my question is, should we claim "married at higher single rate" on our W-4s? Will this come back to haunt us if we continue to claim "single?" Or does it really not matter so long as we file jointly?

Your Form W-4 is only a form you provide your employer to instruct them on how much federal income tax should be withheld from your pay.

Immigration does not care about this. Your taxes are only assessed when you file your own return (America is a self-assessed tax method...for the most part). Once you file a married filing joint return, you cannot amend the return to file separate, so when you present a tax return filed with the filing status of MFJ, you are good.

That's why your accountant said it doesn't matter.

[VNL 4]

After the year-end your employers will send you W-2 forms where it will state marital status: Single. From what I have seen on VJ, the USCIS has been requesting the copies of all your W-2 forms so they might get confused on why you told your employer you are single. I don't know what is going on through their minds but when I saw one of my hubby's W-2 stated single I asked him to call his HR and change it.. but it's just us.

[Amhara 460]

After the year-end your employers will send you W-2 forms where it will state marital status: Single.

It does not state marital status. I know what you mean, but it's only a reflection of the tax rate you elected to be withheld at. It has no bearing on what your actual marital status is. Someone who is single can submit a Form W-4 to have taxes withheld at a married rate and visa versa.

Not all Form W-2's look the same, so we don't know if the W-2 will say that. It's not on the Form W-2 issued by the IRS, but ADP (who prepares the majority of W-2's) will include this information on their version of the W-2.

Now, if the tax return says single, then that's something.

[VNL 4]

It does not state marital status. I know what you mean, but it's only a reflection of the tax rate you elected to be withheld at. It has no bearing on what your actual marital status is. Someone who is single can submit a Form W-4 to have taxes withheld at a married rate and visa versa.

Not all Form W-2's look the same, so we don't know if the W-2 will say that. It's not on the Form W-2 issued by the IRS, but ADP (who prepares the majority of W-2's) will include this information on their version of the W-2.

Now, if the tax return says single, then that's something.

I'm sure either way it's not a big deal as long as you have a strong ROC package. Good luck!