Guides / Your paycheck
Your tax refund isn't a bonus
It's your own money, returned without interest.
A refund means more tax was withheld than you owed. It can feel like a windfall, but it's money you could have had in your paychecks all year.
Options
- Adjust your W-4 if your refund is large and you'd rather have bigger paychecks
- Or keep it, if a forced yearly saving works for you
- Either way, plan the refund before it arrives: savings, debt, then a treat
Filing for free
Check IRS.gov for free filing options before paying for tax software.
General educational information, not financial or tax advice. Cents and Common Sense isn't paid by any bank, lender or card company.