More than 96 million Americans received tax-refund checks in 2009.  At an average of $2,683 per refund, that adds up to a quarter of a trillion dollars loaned to the government only to be returned sometime after April 15th -- without any interest!  Do you really want to make interest-free loans to the government?   Wouldn't you rather have your own money throughout the year to put in the bank, save up for a purchase, or to have as a rainy-day fund?

Perhaps, these questions should be considered by all taxpayers when it comes to tax planning, withholdings, and the amount of exemptions to claim on Form W-4. Sure, its nice getting a check in the mail, but when you realize it is your own money in the first place, it may not sound like such a good idea.