Getting married changes how much federal income tax should be withheld from paychecks. Update your Form W-4, coordinate with your spouse if you both work, and use the worksheets or IRS estimator to avoid too much or too little withholding.
If both spouses work, use Step 2 on the W-4 — either box 2(c), the Multiple Jobs Worksheet, or the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator — and have the higher earner complete Steps 3–4(b).
Claim qualified children (up to $2,200 per child for 2026) on one spouse's W-4 — typically the higher earner — and do not attempt to claim a spouse as a dependent.
Use Step 4(b) to account for itemized deductions and Step 4(c) to request additional withholding if you expect a tax shortfall.
# Why you should update your W-4 after marriage
# Fill out the right personal info first
# Choose the filing status in Step 1
# Account for multiple jobs and a working spouse
If both spouses work, Step 2 must reflect that combined income. Options:
Practical tip: Have the spouse with the highest-paying job complete Steps 3 through 4(b) on their W-4. The other spouse can leave those steps blank.
# Claim dependents on one W-4
If your joint income is under $400,000 (or $200,000 if filing separately), you likely qualify for the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, the W-4 uses $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. Only one spouse should claim the children on a W-4 — usually the higher earner.
You cannot claim your spouse as a dependent. Dependents are typically children, stepchildren, siblings, or parents.
# Adjust for deductions and extra withholding
Step 4(b) lets you reduce withholding for expected itemized deductions. For 2026, this can include qualified tips, qualified overtime, qualified passenger vehicle loan interest, and an enhanced deduction for eligible seniors. Use the Deductions Worksheet attached to Form W-4 to calculate amounts.
Step 4(c) lets you request additional flat-dollar withholding each pay period if you expect to owe more than standard withholding will cover.
# Check withholding after other major changes
Review your W-4 again after changes to income, jobs, dependents, deductions, or credits. Use the worksheets or the IRS estimator to avoid surprises at tax time.
# Bottom line
Updating your W-4 after marriage is a simple administrative step that aligns paycheck withholding with your combined tax situation. Coordinate with your spouse if both of you work, use the estimator or worksheets when needed, and place dependents and deductions on the W-4 where they belong to reduce the risk of over- or under-withholding.
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