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AR15.COM
4/23/2026 8:57:30 AM EDT
so I did my taxes this year and am getting a big refund.
I went to change my w-4 and they changed it all up.
I know my tax burden will change again for this year because I had a kid turn 18 last year.
but is there an easy way to figure out  how to fill out the w-4 so I don't get a refund next year?

it used to be easier where I could just declare so many deductions and then put in how much to take out of each paycheck.
is there a way to fill this out like that again?
4/23/2026 11:29:35 AM EDT
[#1]
It’s pretty straightforward if you have a single income. If you have dual income, it becomes a PITA. For dual income, you are “supposed” to account for the taxes of both people using the higher earner W4.
4/23/2026 11:46:52 AM EDT
[#2]
maybe I didn't ask that right.
I have a single income.
but I know how much I paid in taxes. I know how much my refund will be.
how do I fill it out so they only take out the difference?
say I paid 10k into taxes and got a 3k refund.
I want to fill it out so they only take out 7k instead of 10k based on filling it out how they say to fill it out.
the old form I could do that, the new one I cannot figure out how to do that.
4/23/2026 12:50:49 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DoctorCAD][Edited] [#3]
If you are having 10% taken out and you are 30% high, lower your withholding to 7%.

Seems like a no brainer.
4/23/2026 1:03:39 PM EDT
[#4]

I don't know how to enter that here.
4/23/2026 4:54:43 PM EDT
[#5]
Are you married and file jointly?  If so check that box. Otherwise it sounds like you need to check the box for single.

Do you have kids that you can qualify for the child tax credit?  If so, list them there.

As I said, the new W4 is super straightforward for single income. You employer is supposed to do all the calculations to make sure the correct amount is withheld.
4/23/2026 5:49:17 PM EDT
[#6]
I am married filing jointly and I have 1 kid under 18 and 2 over 18.
but they are clearly pulling more than they need to if I am getting a refund.
I was hoping there was a way to adjust myself. instead of hoping they get it right this time.
4/23/2026 8:37:46 PM EDT
[#7]
Talk to your payroll department at work and ask them why they are withholding so much extra.

Since you know what your annual taxes are, you can see how much should be coming out of each check. See if they can match that.
4/24/2026 6:56:47 AM EDT
[#8]
thanks, will give that a try

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