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.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
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.

-
What Wall Street's CEOs Are Saying About Trump's Tariffs
We're in the thick of earnings season and corporate America has plenty to say about the Trump administration's trade policy.
By Karee Venema
-
The Role of the U.S. Dollar in Retirement: Is It Secure?
Protect your retirement from de-dollarization, because “capital always goes where it is treated best."
By Adam Shell
-
Ten Cheapest Places To Live in Florida
Property Tax Make your Florida vacation spot daily living — these counties have the lowest property tax bills in the state.
By Kate Schubel
-
Missed Tax Day? Nearly One Million Taxpayers Still Can File and Claim Valuable Tax Refunds
Tax Refunds As many as one million taxpayers could be missing out on a significant tax refund.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Which Generation Pays the Most Tax in the US?
Tax Burden Polls show that most people feel like taxes are unfair. But which age group bears the brunt of the tax burden in the United States?
By Kelley R. Taylor
-
Tax Day 2025: Don’t Miss These Freebies, Food Deals and Discounts
Tax Day You can score some sweet deals on April 15 in some select restaurants like Burger King, Shake Shack, and more.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Tax Time: Does Your Kid Influencer Owe Taxes?
State Tax Some minors are making big money on social media. Here’s how to know if they need to file taxes.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
Trump Plans to Terminate IRS Direct File program
Tax Filing The IRS Direct File program was piloted last year in 12 states and has since expanded to 25. But will it last under the Trump administration?
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez
-
How Caregivers for Adults Can Save on Taxes in 2025
Tax Breaks Caring for your parent or spouse can be stressful, but the IRS offers tax breaks for qualifying taxpayers. Here they are.
By Kate Schubel
-
U.S. Treasury to Eliminate Paper Checks: What It Means for Tax Refunds, Social Security
Treasury President Trump signed an executive order forcing the federal government to phase out paper check disbursements by the fall.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez