Instant Gratification
Don't wait until 2009 for your next tax refund. Adjust your withholding, and get more money now.

As millions of taxpayers rush to the post office tonight to get their tax forms in the mail, I want to stress again the importance of filling out one more form. No, not an extra 1040 or Schedule D or Schedule SE or even an amended 1040X.
Millions upon millions of taxpayers can put more money in their pockets starting next payday by filing a new W-4 form with their employers. The W-4 is the form that controls how much federal income tax your boss takes out of your checks each payday for the IRS. The higher than ever number of record-sized refunds issued by the IRS this spring is proof positive that millions of us let the government dip too deep into our paychecks each week.
Filing a new W-4 is an powerful weapon to bring that to an end.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
We've created a special calculator to give you a solid idea of the instant gratification you can enjoy by filing a new W-4. Check out our easy withholding calculator, and take a few minutes to give yourself a raise.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
The $33,000 Retirement: One Man's Surprising Path to Financial Freedom at 61
Forget what society tells you, even with less than $1 million, you can be happy in retirement.
-
The Best Aerospace and Defense ETFs to Buy
The best aerospace and defense ETFs can help investors capitalize on higher government defense spending or hedge against the potential of a large-scale conflict.
-
Ten Cheapest Places to Live in Virginia
Property Taxes The Commonwealth of Virginia has some cheap places to live. Here are a few if you hate paying property taxes.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'
Tax Deductions The GOP tax bill could make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
Retire in the Bahamas With These Three Tax Benefits
Retirement Taxes Retirement in the Bahamas may be worth considering for high-net-worth individuals who hate paying taxes on income and capital gains.
-
2025 Virginia Tax Rebate Checks Coming Soon? What to Know Now
Tax Rebates Given a historic 2025 gubernatorial race, tax policy will remain a key issue for Virginians in the months ahead.
-
Summer Backyard Ideas With Added Tax Benefits for 2025
Tax Tips Find out how these summer 2025 home projects can help you save on taxes next year.
-
Coverdell ESAs vs. 529 Plans: Which Should You Choose?
Savings Accounts These savings accounts can offer tax benefits for school and retirement expenses. Here’s how.
-
Homeschoolers Could Soon Save on Expenses With 529 Plans
Savings Accounts A new House GOP bill could change how you save for your child's homeschool education. Find out how.
-
Five ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Tax Changes to Watch in the Senate
Tax Policy The House passed its version of Trump’s "One Big, Beautiful Bill." Here’s what to look for as Senate Republicans take up the mega legislation.