Why do I owe California state taxes this year, Im married filing jointly and I never owed taxes before. (2024)

FAQs

Why do I owe California state taxes this year, Im married filing jointly and I never owed taxes before.? ›

Owing state taxes can result from personal changes, job transitions, side jobs, and eligibility for tax credits and deductions. It could also occur because you withheld too little for state taxes, or your earnings changed your entitlements to certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit.

If you file jointly, your tax bracket may change, and your standard deduction will increase. (See point 1 above.) But you may be hit with the marriage tax penalty, meaning you and your spouse pay more taxes as a couple than if you were filing as singles (which you can't do after "I do" …

If you claimed 0 and still owe taxes, chances are you added “married” to your W4 form. When you claim 0 in allowances, it seems as if you are the only one who earns and that your spouse does not. Then, when both of you earn, and the amount reaches the 25% tax bracket, the amount of tax sent is not enough.

Common reasons for owing taxes include insufficient withholding, extra income, self-employment tax, life changes, and tax code changes.

Generally, you must file an income tax return if you're a resident , part-year resident, or nonresident and: Are required to file a federal return. Receive income from a source in California. Have income above a certain amount.

This is because of the graduated nature of the tax rates, which applies higher tax rates to higher income rates. This is how the marriage penalty might get you: when you combine incomes on a joint return, some of that income can push you into a higher tax bracket than if you were filing as the Single filing status.

It could be one big change or several changes that made an impact: Filing changes – But big life changes, such as marriage, divorce, retirement or adding a dependent (having a baby, adopting) can affect the your tax situation such as the filing status for which you are eligible and other aspects of how you are taxed.

Claiming 1 reduces the amount of taxes that are withheld from weekly paychecks, so you get more money now with a smaller refund. Claiming 0 allowances may be a better option if you'd rather receive a larger lump sum of money in the form of your tax refund.

If you want less taxes taken out of your paychecks, perhaps leading to having to pay a tax bill when you file your annual return, here's how you might adjust your W-4. Increase the number of dependents. Reduce the number on line 4(a) or 4(c). Increase the number on line 4(b).

If you make $60,000 a year living in the region of California, USA, you will be taxed $13,653. That means that your net pay will be $46,347 per year, or $3,862 per month.

Why is everyone owing taxes this year in 2024? ›

Under-withholding from Your Paycheck

Under-withholding is the #1 reason individuals owe taxes. This occurs when not enough tax is taken out of your paychecks throughout the year. If you haven't updated your W-4 form after a major life change, income adjustment, or second job, you might find yourself in this situation.

In a nutshell, over-withholding means you'll get a refund at tax time. Under-withholding means you'll owe. Many people try to get as close as possible to even so they get more money in their paychecks during the year, but don't owe a lot or get a bigger refund at tax time.

New sources of income: If you started receiving income that's not subject to automatic withholding, you can end up owing additional tax. Examples include collecting a pension or Social Security (no tax or low tax withheld), selling investments (no tax withheld), and starting a home business (no tax withheld).

Owing state taxes can result from personal changes, job transitions, side jobs, and eligibility for tax credits and deductions. It could also occur because you withheld too little for state taxes, or your earnings changed your entitlements to certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Credit.

If you're married/registered domestic partner (RDP), you may choose to file separately. Each spouse or partner will prepare a separate tax return and report their individual income and deductions. Generally, you do not qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child and dependent care credit.

Californians get an automatic six-month deadline extension to file state taxes. You still must pay your full California tax bill by April 15, or else you'll owe penalties. If you don't file and pay taxes promptly, you'll owe extra penalties and fees, and could even take a hit to your credit score.

Tax brackets are different for each filing status, so your income may no longer be taxed at the same rate as when you were single. When you are married and file a joint return, your income is combined — which, in turn, may bump one or both of you into a higher tax bracket.

One downside, however, is if your spouse owes money to the IRS. When you file jointly with your partner, you assume “joint and several liability,” which means both of your tax obligations become one and the same. This makes you both legally responsible for each other's tax liability.

It is quite common for this to happen. Your tax liability is calculated on your total income (after deductions and credits), not on each W2. As your taxable income increases, your tax liability increases and you may even get placed into a higher tax bracket.