How to fill out w4 in USA if spouse is still in the Philippines

[JamesBz 7]

Hi I filed a petition for my wife in the Philippines last 04/21/22. I am starting a new job soon and was wondering how to fill out the W4 and later the income twx return. Do I file as married filing seperately and what do I have to do different than before when I filed as single? TIA

[Chancy 6,243]

*** Moved from IR1/CR1 Progress Reports to Tax & Finances During US Immigration, where similar topics are discussed ***

 

22 minutes ago, JamesBz said:

I am starting a new job soon and was wondering how to fill out the W4 and later the income twx return.

 

It's fine if you want to keep your tax withholding declaration as Single/MFS on the W4.  That way, you can be more certain that you will not owe the IRS any taxes come filing time.

 

As for your tax filing status on the tax return, it will depend on your combined financial situation.  Does your wife have a huge current income (ie. more than US$100,000 annually) in the PH that would make joint filing unfavorable for you?  If not, then MFJ would likely be the best choice for your 2022 tax return.  How straightforward that filing will be depends on whether your wife will get her spouse visa, enter the US, and get her SSN before April 15, 2023.  If she does not get her SSN in time, filing MFJ for 2022 will still be possible for you, just with more steps.  Options: (1) file for an extension to Oct 2023, (2) file MFJ before the deadline while concurrently applying for your wife's ITIN with form W7, or (3) file MFS before the deadline, then amend your return to MFJ when your wife gets her SSN.

 

Note that what you declare in your W4 does not need to be the same as your filing status on your tax return.  To this day, my USC husband still has Single on his W4, yet we file taxes as MFJ.  He says he prefers to keep his W4 that way and have the IRS hold the extra money so he won't be tempted to spend it.  At least until tax refund time 😆

 

[JamesBz 7]

Thats great info. Thank you

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

Adil just filed his as married but added extra amount to be withheld on 4 C 

he didn't want to owe in the spring

[Palawan 131]

2 hours ago, JamesBz said:

Hi I filed a petition for my wife in the Philippines last 04/21/22. I am starting a new job soon and was wondering how to fill out the W4 and later the income twx return. Do I file as married filing seperately and what do I have to do different than before when I filed as single? TIA

I wouldn't give the IRS an extra cent.

 

Have them take out as little money as possible from your paycheck, I would file as with at least one dependent if it only you and her.  

 

I would rather have my money now, then give it to the IRS to hold at 0% interest for them.