My withholding status has been married with no dependents. If I change my W-4 filing status to single vs. married, will my take-home pay be increased or decreased?
If you switch from married to one of the other withholding statuses, your take-home pay will be lower. More of your pay is withheld at the single rate than at the rate for married taxpayers.
Withholding status options
You have three choices for your W-4 filing status as it relates to your marital status. Each may have a different affect on your withholding status, depending on your situation.
Your 2019 W-4 filing status choices are:
- Single: W-4 Single status should be used if you are not married and have no dependents.
- Married: W-4 married status should be used if you are married and are filing jointly.
- Married, but withhold at higher Single rate: This status should be used if you are married but filing separately, or if both spouses work and have similar income.
File with H&R Block to get your max refund
Your 2020 W-4 filing status choices are:
- Single or Married Filing Separately: This status should be used if you are either single or married but filing separately.
- Married Filing Jointly (or Qualifying Widower): This status should be used if you are married and filing a joint tax return with your spouse. This status will have less taxes withheld from each paycheck than Head of Household.
- Head of Household: This status should be used if you are filing your tax return as head of household. Historically this status will have more withholding than Married Filing Jointly.
More Help on Single vs. Married Withholding Statuses
For personalized guidance when it comes to state withholding forms and your withholding status, find an H&R Block tax office nearest you. In the meantime, view our W-4 Withholding Calculator to gauge your federal withholdings.
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