<prompt> Human: Last year, when me and my wife, filled our tax returns jointly we owed about 6k. I spoke to my accountant and he advised that if we change our W4 preference to married but withhold as single, this shouldnt be an issue. Its my understanding that well be taxed higher and it could result in a tax refund. nbsp;So we made those changes from middle of last year, to our W4. When I was preparing my tax refund, I get a refund of nearly 10k. When I add my wifes W2, then we end up owing about 800! Im confused how this could still happen, given the changes we made last year? However, after I add my wifes W2, we end up moving to the next tax-bracket.nbsp; Thanks for your time. p.s. Im aware that its not always the best idea to get a tax refund as that means giving the govt. a 0 loan.  <response>: When I was preparing my tax refund, I get a refund of nearly 10k. When I add my wifes W2, then we end up owing about 800!You were never getting a refund of nearly 10k. Those stupid tax programs should stop updating that live counter because its misleading. If your wife didnt work then youd get a refund of nearly 10k. But youre filing joint which means all the income and withholding is lumped together.So the 10k is actually absolutely meaningless and is no indication of how accurate your withholding is if you file joint. If youd put your wifes info in first it could have said the same thing or 15k, or 5k, or 10k owed, or 12,345 owed, whatever, and then would have gone to 800 owed after putting in your W-2.Im confused how this could still happen, given the changes we made last yearWell why wouldnt it happen? 800 is a lot closer to perfect withholding 0 owed or due that 6,000. And since you didnt make those changes until the middle of the year, youre lucky you didnt owe 3,000!Fill out the W-4 or use the IRS Withholding Calculator. Set the lower earner to Married, 0, and set the higher earner to whatever line H ends up being and put in any extra amount to withhold as needed. 