Questioning my 2007 tax return numbers?

Can someone please explain to me why my return for 2007 is so low compared to my 2006 return? I'm so confused... 2006 W-2 statement [filed jointly since I got married, but while I was working at this job I was listed as single, no dependents]: 1 (Wages, tips, other comp) = 5012.86 2 (Federal income tax withheld) = 403.11 17 (State income tax for OH) = 48.68 2007 W-2 Statement [married, no kids]: 1 (Wages, tips, other comp) = 4895.24 2 (Federal income tax withheld) = 55.05 14 (Other) = 29.37 SDI 17 (State income tax for CA) = 25.03 Also, my husband and I are about to get divorced. We haven't filed any paperwork yet, should we file separately or together? Also, what does the Box 14 (Other) = 29.37 SDI mean? State disability insurance?! I'm not disabled though! .... wtf...

Public Comments

Box 14 is information to help you compare the W-2 to your last paycheck stub. short term disability insurance wasn't included in box 1 (meaning it was pre-tax). The withholding on the w-4 is different because the withholding logic assumed in 2006 that you were single/2 and when you filed you could claim $5150 for a standard deduction and $3300 for a personal exemption and withheld each pay period as if you had that income all year. The 2007 withholding as married assumption only you had a job and would now have $10,700 in standard deduction and $6800 in personal exemptions.... On a biweekly schedule with $500 gross, $47/pp would be withheld for single/0 and $7/pp with married/1. Many married folks request that income be withheld at the single rate. ****Disability insurance is a cheap price to pay. Disability is far more likely than death--all it takes is a car accident--and if that was to ever happen, you'd gladly take 50% of your salary vs. $0 for whatever time period it covered.
The IRS has specific tables for how much employers are required to withhold from your paycheck, depending on the size of the paycheck and how you filed (the single, married, etc.) and your number of allowances you entered on your W-4. I don't know what you mean by your "return" for 2007 but I'm guessing it is the tax withheld that you are questioning. SDI is probably State Disability Insurance. You are obliged to file your taxes as married for 2007. Whether it is better to file "jointly" or "separately" will depend on what brings you collectively the lowest tax liability.
The change in the tax withholding is due to a new W-4 form being filed. You claimed married which meant that less taxes were withheld. If you and your husband are eligible for any tax credits, then you will need to file a joint return. Have the IRS mail you a check. Do not have it direct deposited in either of your separate bank accounts especially if you are not getting along right now. If you are not eligible for any tax credits, then you can file a separate tax return. If one spouse itemizes, then the other spouse must itemize also. This is a time where you and your husband need to be civil towards each other to get the best tax return possible.