After Getting Married
Update both spouses' W-4s within 30 days of marriage. Key changes: (1) Change filing status to 'Married Filing Jointly' in Step 1 if both spouses will file MFJ. (2) Determine which spouse (if any) should check Step 2. If both work: one spouse checks Step 2 on the lower-paying job. If only one works: no Step 2 box needed. (3) Consider consolidating dependents on one return — enter credits in Step 3 on the primary earner’s W-4.
W-4 updates needed for common life changes
| Life Change | W-4 Update Needed | Key Actions | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage (both working) | Yes — both spouses | One spouse checks Step 2; adjust dependents in Step 3 | Within 30 days |
| Marriage (one income) | Yes — one W-4 | Change to MFJ status; no Step 2 needed | Within 30 days |
| Divorce | Yes — both spouses | Change to Single or HOH; remove spouse’s dependent credits | Within 30 days |
| New baby | Yes — primary earner | Add $2,000 in Step 3 for new child | Within 30 days of birth |
| Second job | Yes — one W-4 | Check Step 2 on lower-paying job | Immediately on starting |
| Started freelancing | Yes — W-2 employer | Add net SE income in Step 4a; SE tax in Step 4c | When first client payment received |
After a Divorce
Key W-4 changes after divorce: (1) Change filing status to 'Single' or 'Head of Household' (if you have dependents and meet HOH criteria). (2) Remove any joint income considerations from Step 2 (if previously set for dual income). (3) Adjust Step 3 to reflect which children you’ll claim (the parent claiming the children enters the credits; the other does not). (4) Remove any itemized deductions related to a jointly-owned home if sold or transferred.
If you’re divorced or legally separated, have a qualifying child more than half the year, and pay more than half the household costs, you may qualify for Head of Household (HOH) filing status. HOH has lower tax rates and a larger standard deduction than Single — worth checking. Enter HOH in Step 1 of your W-4 if eligible.
Calculate Your Post-Life-Change W-4 Settings
Enter your updated situation to see the optimal W-4 configuration after marriage, divorce, new baby, or other major change.