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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free 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.
-
Four Spa Retreats for Well-Heeled RetireesWe hand-picked these U.S. spa retreats for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers. All are located in the Continental U.S.
-
Four Military Benefits That Have Helped My FamilyMilitary life can be challenging for servicemembers and their families, but they're offered some significant financial benefits to help cushion the blow.
-
The Original Property Tax Hack: Avoiding The ‘Window Tax’Property Taxes Here’s how homeowners can challenge their home assessment and potentially reduce their property taxes — with a little lesson from history.
-
Social Security Tax Limit Rises Again: Who Pays More in 2026?Payroll Taxes The Social Security Administration has announced significant changes affecting millions as we approach a new year.
-
Three Critical Tax Changes Could Boost Your Paycheck in 2026Tax Tips The IRS predicts these tax breaks may change take-home pay in 2026. Will you get over $1,000 in tax savings?
-
The Rubber Duck Rule of Retirement Tax PlanningRetirement Taxes How can you identify gaps and hidden assumptions in your tax plan for retirement? The solution may be stranger than you think.
-
RMDs, Roth, and SS: Test Your Knowledge of Retirement Tax RulesQuiz Don't let the IRS catch you off guard. Take our quiz to reveal common retirement tax rules that could save (or cost) you thousands.
-
IRS Updates 2026 Tax Deduction for People Age 65 and OlderTax Changes Adjustments to the extra standard deduction can impact the tax bills of millions of older adults. Here are some new amounts to know for 2026.
-
IRS Reveals New 2026 Child Tax Credit and other Family Credit AmountsTax Credits Key family tax breaks are higher for 2026, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Adoption Credit. Here's what they're worth.
-
Standard Deduction 2026 Amounts Are HereTax Breaks What is the standard deduction for your filing status in 2026?
