If an employee is married but chooses to file taxes as single, how should they complete their W4?

When an employee who is married decides to file their taxes as single, it is crucial for them to select the appropriate status on their W-4 form to ensure that the correct amount of tax is withheld from their paycheck. By claiming single status on the W-4, they are indicating to their employer that they want their withholding calculated based on single tax rates, which can result in a higher withholding amount than if they claimed married status. This is particularly relevant for married individuals who may want to avoid owing money at the end of the tax year, as their withholding will reflect a more conservative estimate.

Choosing to claim single status is especially important if the individual does not want to risk under-withholding, which can happen if they claim married status and their spouse has a significant income. This decision can help in financial planning, as it allows for adjustments in withholding to better match their tax obligation based on their actual filing status.

The other options, such as claiming married status or head of household, would not accurately reflect the employee's intention to file as single and could lead to improper withholding. Claiming exempt would only be appropriate if the individual meets specific requirements regarding income and withholding, which does not apply in this scenario. Thus, selecting single status aligns with