W-4 question (funds, pay, taxes, rate)

[jaehoppa]

my wife came to the states recently on a visa waiver program and we just got married here.
about to apply for her green card.

my first question is do I file the W-4 now or do I just wait until I file the taxes for 2017 and indicate my marital status change then? what would be the difference?

also on W-4 item 3, I have to indicate whether I'm married or single, but underneath it says "If married, but legally separated, or spouse is a nonresident alien, check the “Single” box."

So should I check single?

my AIG is around $130k and she doesn't work (not authorized yet). What would be the best move for me?

Thanks.

[Gene Starwind]

Originally Posted by jaehoppa

my wife came to the states recently on a visa waiver program and we just got married here.
about to apply for her green card.

my first question is do I file the W-4 now or do I just wait until I file the taxes for 2017 and indicate my marital status change then? what would be the difference?

also on W-4 item 3, I have to indicate whether I'm married or single, but underneath it says "If married, but legally separated, or spouse is a nonresident alien, check the “Single” box."

So should I check single?

my AIG is around $130k and she doesn't work (not authorized yet). What would be the best move for me?

Thanks.

U dont file a w4. U may update the w4 with your employer when needed.

To me it wouldnt make a difference. Its a situation where you get it now by having a higher withholding or get it later when you file at the end of the year

[rjm1cc]

Originally Posted by jaehoppa

my wife came to the states recently on a visa waiver program and we just got married here.
about to apply for her green card.

my first question is do I file the W-4 now or do I just wait until I file the taxes for 2017 and indicate my marital status change then? what would be the difference?

also on W-4 item 3, I have to indicate whether I'm married or single, but underneath it says "If married, but legally separated, or spouse is a nonresident alien, check the “Single” box."

So should I check single?

my AIG is around $130k and she doesn't work (not authorized yet). What would be the best move for me?

Thanks.

You want the correct taxes taken out.
Will you file a joint return?

I am not sure what your spouce is but I will assume she is a resident alien. Might try looking for the definition of resident alien.
Assuming she is your withholding taxes will decrease as you will check married.

[reed303]

1. You give a new W-4 to your employer, not the IRS
2. If your new wife resides with you in the US, she is not a nonresident.
3. You should file a new W-4 ASAP to adjust your Federal withholding now. Do not wait for next April 15.
4. You can print yourself a new W-4 here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
5. Also, the IRS has an on-line calculator so you can "fine-tune" what you enter on a W-4, specific to your total circumstances, especially if you desire to be under- or over-withheld come 1040 time. You should have your last pay stub handy to use the calc.

[jaehoppa]

Originally Posted by reed303

1. You give a new W-4 to your employer, not the IRS
2. If your new wife resides with you in the US, she is not a nonresident.
3. You should file a new W-4 ASAP to adjust your Federal withholding now. Do not wait for next April 15.
4. You can print yourself a new W-4 here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf
5. Also, the IRS has an on-line calculator so you can "fine-tune" what you enter on a W-4, specific to your total circumstances, especially if you desire to be under- or over-withheld come 1040 time. You should have your last pay stub handy to use the calc.

I think she is still considered a nonresident since we are about to file for her green card. No SSN or anything yet.

[GeoffD]

Does she have income outside the United States? That can make taxes messy.

You should at least get an individual tax identification number (ITIN) so you can do "married filing jointly". Without a social security number or an ITIN, you will have a tough time doing that. Your tax rate goes down quite a bit assuming your wife has no income. You'll likely get a substantial tax refund and you should adjust your W-4 so you're not lending the government money in future tax years.

[SaucyAussie]

I think she needs to be here 6 months to be considered a resident (183 day rule). That may prevent him filing MFJ - not sure?

I wouldn't bother submitting a new W-4 at this point. Not much will change between now and the end of the year.

But once your wife starts working, you should both try to submit accurate W-4's so that your tax withholding (employer) and tax liability (IRS) sync up. (thereby preventing large refunds or tax bills at the end of the year).

[jaehoppa]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

Does she have income outside the United States? That can make taxes messy.

You should at least get an individual tax identification number (ITIN) so you can do "married filing jointly". Without a social security number or an ITIN, you will have a tough time doing that. Your tax rate goes down quite a bit assuming your wife has no income. You'll likely get a substantial tax refund and you should adjust your W-4 so you're not lending the government money in future tax years.

she did work up until June right before she came to the states. so should I just check "single" in the item 3 in W-4? I think I read if I choose married she may be taxed on the money she earned overseas.

[oldsoldier1976]

Her income prior to your marriage is hers and if it from another country she files there. Do not claim any of her income prior to the marriage after you are married. Resources will mingle and as they do taxes will be due on any growth/interest/earnings on savings or other accounts. This is especially important to you both.

[evening sun]

I wouldn't bother filing a new W4 till the new Year. It doesn't really make much difference, you will find out more once you do your tax return.