Taxes: Are you expecting a big refund in addition to the rebate?

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Man, am I ever on my soap box today! A friend and I were just discussing tax refunds and how his wife didn't understand why her income had to be counted with his. I told him that it really didn't but that he would end up paying more taxes than her refund would be increased by. I then told him that I have worked to fine tune my withholding to where I come close to breaking even or just get a very small refund or even owe a couple hundred. He asked me why and I told him this; Every year people file their taxes as soon as possible to get their "refund" back so they can pay bills, go on vacation or whatever! The average refund is between 3 and 5 thousand dollars and it may be a little more. Tell me, what has happened when millions of Americans recieve 3-5 thousand dollars between Feb and June? By doing this, America has given their government the largest INTEREST FREE loan ever, and that is every year! Okay, what happens if you are a little bit late in filing, even if you are owed a refund? That's right, interest and penalties! Seems like good old Uncle Sam has the best of both worlds! And that is why I would rather owe the government a few hundred dollars than get a huge refund. At least I know the money they are getting is ACTUALLY what I OWE them!