Refund Booster (W-4 Calculator)™

More money in your refund or more money in your paycheck... it's your money, you decide .

A rocket ship representing TaxAct Refund Booster (W-4 Calculator)™

Is there a secret to getting a bigger tax refund?


You may be surprised to know, that there is!

By answering a few questions, our Refund Booster can help adjust your paycheck, so you get the refund you want – bigger or smaller.

After you answer a few questions, Refund Booster completes a simple W-4 form (not a tax return).

TaxAct Terms of Service and License Agreement

Last Updated: January 2, 2020

This Terms of Service and License Agreement ("this Agreement") is a legally-binding contract between TaxAct, Inc. ("TaxAct", "we", "us", or "our") and you ("you", "your", or "user"), a visitor or user of TaxAct's websites, mobile applications, online and offline tax return preparation products, and related services, and, if selected by you, TaxAct's electronic filing services (collectively, the "Services") for the Services related to the then-current tax filing year at the time this Agreement is accepted or amended.

You may not use the Services until you have read and agreed to this Agreement. By using the Services, you indicate your unconditional acceptance of this Agreement. If you do not accept this Agreement, you must terminate your use of the Services.

A "registered user" is a user from whom TaxAct has received the information necessary to permit such person to print or electronically file a tax return prepared using the Services and who complies with the terms and conditions of this agreement.

Ownership; Limited License; Copyright & Trademark Ownership.

The Services and all related text, graphics, images, photographs, videos, illustrations, computer code, and other information, materials and content contained in the Services or provided by TaxAct in connection therewith (collectively, "Content") are owned by or licensed to TaxAct and are protected under both United States and foreign laws. Except as explicitly stated in this Agreement, TaxAct and its licensors reserve all right in and to the Services and Content.

Limited License to Services.

Subject to your continued compliance with this Agreement, including payment of any applicable fees, you are hereby granted a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to access and use the Services for your personal purposes. You may only use the TaxAct tax preparation software (whether online, downloaded, or via mobile application) to prepare one valid and complete tax return per applicable service fee paid and, after proper registration and any applicable payment, to file electronically and/or print such tax return. Unless you have purchased a license to one of TaxAct's Professional products, you will not use the Services for commercial purposes, including, but not limited to using the Services to prepare tax returns, schedules or worksheets for others as part of a service offering.

Limited License to Content.

Subject to this agreement, you are hereby granted a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to electronically copy and print portions of Content to hardcopy for the sole purpose of your personal, non-commercial use in researching and making a decision to purchase Services. Any other use of the Content—including reproductions other than specified, modifications, distribution, or republication—without the prior written permission of TaxAct is strictly prohibited.

Restrictions.

The license granted to you is subject to this Agreement and does not include any right to (a) sell, mirror, frame, resell or commercially use our Services or Content; (b) copy, reproduce, distribute, publicly perform or publicly display any Services or Content; (b) modify, or create derivative works based on, the Services or Content; (c) remove or alter any proprietary rights notices or markings on or in the Services or Content; (d) use any data mining, robots or similar data gathering or extraction methods in relation to the Services or Content; (e) use our Services or Content other than for their intended purposes; (f) transmit any viruses, malware, or other malicious code or software through the Services or otherwise interfere or attempt to interfere with the normal operation of the Services; (g) attempt to gain unauthorized access to TaxAct's or any third party's systems, networks, or data; (h) use the Services to transmit any fraudulent information, create any false identity, or misrepresent your identity; or (i) otherwise use the Services or Content in violation of any applicable law. Any use of our Services or Content other than as specifically authorized herein, without our prior written permission, is strictly prohibited and will terminate the permissions granted in this Agreement.

Trademarks

TaxAct® and the associated logos and any other TaxAct service names, logos or slogans that may appear on the Services are trademarks of TaxAct and our licensors and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without our or the applicable trademark holder's prior written permission. You may not use metatags or other "hidden text" utilizing "TaxAct" or any other name, trademark or product or service name of TaxAct. In addition, the look and feel of the Services, including, without limitation, all page headers, custom graphics, button icons and scripts, constitute the service mark, trademark or trade dress of TaxAct and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without our prior written permission. All other trademarks, registered trademarks, product names and company names or logos mentioned on the Services are the property of their respective owners and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without the permission of the applicable trademark holder.

User Responsibility

You agree that you are responsible for submitting accurate and complete information while preparing your tax return and for reviewing your tax return for indications of obvious errors prior to electronically filing or printing your return. TaxAct may, but is under no obligation to, make certain non-substantive (e.g., formatting) changes to your return in conformance with various e-filing requirements and standards. You are also responsible for acquiring and maintaining all equipment, computers, software and communications or Internet services (such as data or long distance phone charges) relating to your access and use of the Services, and for all expenses relating thereto (plus applicable taxes). You must use your valid form of payment to pay all fees and charges related to the Services and, except as otherwise provided herein, all fees and charges are non-refundable. You are responsible for meeting any tax filing deadlines. We cannot guarantee how long it will take to complete and file your return, so you are responsible for preparing your return early enough to ensure it can be filed before any applicable deadlines.

TaxAct may offer you the ability to use certain informative tools, including, without limitation, for example, a tax estimator/calculator, interview questions related to life events, or a deduction maximizer. You acknowledge and agree that these tools are provided merely as a convenience to our users, and that you retain ultimate responsibility for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of any information you submit while using the Services. The deduction maximizer is intended to highlight certain commonly-used deductions for filers listing a particular occupation. It is solely your responsibility to determine, based on your specific circumstances, if such deductions apply to you and if other deductions, that may not have been highlighted by the tool, may apply to you.

You are the only person authorized to use your user identification and password, and you shall not permit or allow other people to have access to or use the same. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your user identification and password. You are responsible for any actions taken using your user identification and password. You are responsible for ensuring that all information in your account, including without limitation your contact information, are and remain at all times complete and accurate.

You acknowledge and agree that are solely responsible for all content, data, and information submitted by your user identification into the Service, including, without limitation, content, data, and information relating to third parties. You hereby indemnify and hold harmless TaxAct from and against any third party claims, liabilities, costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees, related to such content, data, and information submitted by you. You further acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for implementing and responding to any third party requests to modify, update, delete, or otherwise alter any content, data, and information that you have submitted into the Service.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, TaxAct has no obligation to store or maintain any information you provide to it, and you are responsible for printing or saving a copy of your tax return for your records.

Electronic Communications

By creating a TaxAct account, you consent to receive electronic communications from TaxAct (e.g., via email or by posting notices on our Services). These communications may include notices about your account (e.g., payment authorizations, password changes and other transactional information) or legal notices and are part of your relationship with us. You agree that any notices, agreements, disclosures or other communications that we send to you electronically will satisfy any legal communication requirements, including, but not limited to, that such communications be in writing.

Electronic Filing Services

If you choose to file your return electronically, your tax return will be forwarded to TaxAct's Electronic Filing Center, where it will be converted to and stored in a standardized format and, then, transmitted to the applicable federal or state taxing authority. TaxAct cannot guarantee that the taxing authority will accept your return, as rejections may occur due to circumstances beyond TaxAct's control (e.g., incorrect user information, malfunction of the taxing authority's system, etc.). Your e-filing fee, if any, is non-refundable even if your return is rejected by the taxing authority. You are responsible for verifying the status of your return to confirm that it has been received and accepted by the applicable taxing authority and, if necessary, for filing it manually. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires TaxAct to provide notification to it of information relating to your use of the Services, such as notice of your electronic filing of your tax return, of the Internet Protocol (IP) address and other device information of the computer from which your return originated, and of whether your email address was collected. By using the Services to prepare and submit your tax return, you consent to the disclosure to the IRS and any other tax authority, revenue authority, or other governmental authority with jurisdiction of all information pertaining to your use of the Services. You agree that TaxAct is permitted to access and use any tax return and other information provided by you to perform the Services and, if necessary, to access such information to obtain contact information in order to provide notifications relating to the Services to you.

Modifications

TaxAct has the right at any time and for any reason to modify or discontinue the Services or any aspect or feature of the Services, including but not limited to their Content, functionality or hours of availability, the equipment needed for its access or use, or pricing. In addition, TaxAct reserves the right, at any time, to change the terms of this Agreement. If TaxAct makes changes to this Agreement, TaxAct will provide you with notice of such changes, such as by sending an email, posting a notice on the Services or updating the date at the top of this Agreement. Your continued use of the Services after any such changes will confirm your acceptance of the then-current version of this Agreement. For avoidance of doubt, TaxAct's posting a notice or updating the terms of this Agreement for the then current tax year will not amend or modify the terms for any prior tax year unless the terms expressly indicate prior year terms are also amended or modified. If you do not agree with any such changes, you must immediately discontinue your use of the Services.

Satisfaction Guaranteed for Registered Users

If you are a registered user using the Services online and are dissatisfied with the Services prior to completing the billing steps within the program, your exclusive remedy is to immediately discontinue using the Services. If you are a registered user who completed the billing steps after calling in to our support center and your return was rejected by the IRS and you cannot re-file, it is your responsibility to contact TaxAct's Customer Service Department by phone at the contact number located at https://www.taxact.com/support/request (currently 319.373.3600) within 30 days of the original billing date to request a full refund of the fees paid. If your return was printed, TaxAct will not issue a refund. You must reference the SSN (Social Security Number) associated with the billing transaction when requesting a refund of services to ensure proper identification.

Limited Warranty for TaxAct Products

TaxAct warrants the accuracy of its calculations to registered users of its consumer (not professional or small business) tax filing products. If you are a registered user of one of these consumer products and you (a) e-file your return (b) are not a current and former employees of TaxAct or any other company offering tax return preparation products, and (c) either ultimately receive a smaller tax refund, ultimately owe a larger tax liability, or pay an IRS penalty solely because of a calculation error within the product and not as a result of, among other things, your failure to enter all required information accurately, your overriding of the results of calculations generated by the product, your willful or fraudulent omission or inclusion of information on your tax return, your misclassification of information on your tax return, or your failure to file an amended return to avoid or reduce your penalty after TaxAct has announced updates or corrections to its products, then TaxAct will (i) pay to you the amount of the difference attributable to any smaller tax refund ultimately received or larger tax liability ultimately owed as compared to the amount determined without error by another tax preparation product using the same data; and (ii) pay to you the original assessment amount of the IRS penalty and interest paid by you to the IRS; provided that any such amounts to be paid to you by TaxAct shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000). TaxAct encourages you to visit TaxAct's website for updated information on the Services (www.taxact.com/support). You are responsible for keeping TaxAct apprised promptly of any change in your email so that notices of such updates or corrections can be provided by TaxAct. If you believe that a product calculation error occurred and you have complied with the above conditions, please notify TaxAct in writing at TaxAct, Inc., Customer Support, 1425 60th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 as soon as you learn of the mistake (and in no event later than 60 days from when you filed your return or, in the event of a claimed penalty, 30 days after the penalty is assessed). You must include a copy of the IRS notice, a copy of the applicable hardcopy tax return, and your user identification information. Your filing of such a claim shall constitute your authorization for TaxAct to obtain and review any data files that may be in TaxAct's possession or control in order to evaluate your claim. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe, and providing assistance and additional information as reasonably requested by TaxAct.

Third Party Offerings

THE SERVICES AND CONTENT MAY CONTAIN LINKS TO, OR INFORMATION REGARDING, THIRD PARTY WEBSITES, PRODUCTS, OR SERVICES (COLLECTIVELY, "THIRD PARTY OFFERINGS"). TAXACT OFFERS SUCH LINKS AND INFORMATION FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE, BUT DOES NOT CONTROL OR ENDORSE ANY THIRD PARTY OFFERINGS. YOU AGREE THAT TAXACT IS NOT LIABLE FOR THE CONTENT, ACCURACY, FUNCTIONALITY, OR ANY OTHER ASPECT OF ANY THIRD PARTY OFFERINGS AND THAT TAXACT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTS, OMISSIONS, POLICIES, OR PROCEDURES OF ANY SUCH THIRD PARTY. ANY TRANSACTIONS THAT YOU CHOOSE TO ENTER INTO WITH ANY THIRD PARTY IS BETWEEN YOU AND THE APPLICABLE THIRD PARTY, AND TAXACT WILL NOT BE A PARTY TO OR HAVE ANY LIABILITY WITH REGARDS TO SUCH TRANSACTIONS.

Disclaimer of Warranties

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED BY TAXACT TO THE CONTRARY, THE SERVICES AND CONTENT ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" AND, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, TAXACT AND ITS PARENT, SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS, AGENTS, ASSIGNS, LICENSORS, DISTRIBUTORS, ADVERTISERS, WEB-LINK PROVIDERS, DEALERS OR SUPPLIERS (COLLECTIVELY, THE "PARTICIPATING PARTIES") DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, REGARDING THE SERVICES, CONTENT, AND RELATED MATERIALS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THEIR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, THEIR QUALITY, THEIR MERCHANTABILITY, AND THEIR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

TAXACT DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE SERVICES ARE ACCURATE, COMPLETE OR FREE OF ERRORS, INTERRUPTIONS, VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS OR THAT THE SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS PER DAY, SEVEN DAYS PER WEEK. YOU FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE OPERATION AND AVAILABILITY OF THE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS USED FOR ACCESSING AND INTERACTING WITH THE SERVICES (E.G., THE PUBLIC TELEPHONE, COMPUTER NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET) OR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION TO THE TAXING AUTHORITIES CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE AND MAY, FROM TIME TO TIME, INTERFERE WITH OR PREVENT ACCESS TO THE SERVICES OR THEIR OPERATION. TAXACT IS NOT IN ANY WAY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SUCH INTERFERENCE WITH, OR PREVENTION OF, YOUR USE OF OR ACCESS TO SERVICES BEYOND THE REASONABLE CONTROL OF TAXACT.

TAXACT DOES NOT PROVIDE TAX ADVICE. ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON THE TAXACT WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CONSULTING WITH YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING YOUR SPECIFIC TAX CIRCUMSTANCES. TAXACT DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VALIDITY, ACCURACY, OR ADEQUACY OF ANY POSITIONS TAKEN BY USERS IN THEIR TAX RETURNS. ALL WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES GIVEN OR MADE BY TAXACT WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES (1) ARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE REGISTERED USER OF THE SERVICES ONLY AND ARE NOT TRANSFERABLE, AND (2) SHALL BE NULL AND VOID IF YOU BREACH ANY TERMS OR CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.

Limitation of Liability and Damages

EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER THE LIMITED WARRANTY FOR TAXACT PRODUCTS DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE ENTIRE LIABILITY OF TAXACT AND THE PARTICIPATING PARTIES (JOINTLY) FOR ANY REASON SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT PAID BY YOU FOR THE SERVICES AND CONTENT.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER TAXACT NOR THE PARTICIPATING PARTIES WILL BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF PROFITS OR INVESTMENT, OR THE LIKE), WHETHER BASED ON BREACH OF CONTRACT, BREACH OF WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHERWISE, EVEN IF TAXACT OR THE PARTICIPATING PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND EVEN IF A REMEDY SET FORTH HEREIN IS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION WILL NOT LIMIT OR EXCLUDE TAXACT OR THE PARTICIPATING PARTIES' LIABILITY FOR PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS THAT ARISE IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCESS OR USE OF THE SERVICES OR FOR TAXACT'S OR THE PARTICIPATING PARTIES' GROSS NEGLIGENCE, FRAUD, OR INTENTIONAL, WILLFUL, MALICIOUS, OR RECKLESS MISCONDUCT.

Miscellaneous

TaxAct shall have the right to immediately terminate your access to or use of the Services in the event of any activities which breach this Agreement or conduct which, in TaxAct's sole judgment, interferes with the operation or use of the Services (e.g., excessive usage of the Services which disrupts the use of the Services by other users) or your failure to consent to these terms, any updates or amendments to these terms, or other policies or terms, such as our Privacy Policy, related to the use of our services. Termination of this Agreement automatically terminates your license and authorization to use the Services and Content.

This Agreement, TaxAct’s Privacy Policy, and any terms associated with any particular offer for use of the Services set forth TaxAct's and the Participating Parties' entire liability and your exclusive remedy with respect to the Services, comprise a complete statement of the agreement between you and TaxAct regarding the subject matter thereof, and supersede any prior understandings with regards to such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and another policy or offer terms, the conflicting terms shall, if possible, be read so as to avoid the conflict, and, should the conflict be unavoidable, the terms of this Agreement shall control. This Agreement does not limit any rights that TaxAct may have under trade secret, trademark, copyright, patent or other laws. The employees of TaxAct and the Participating Parties are not authorized to make modifications to this Agreement, or to make any additional representations, commitments, or warranties binding on TaxAct, except in a writing signed by an authorized officer of TaxAct. If any provision of this Agreement is invalid or unenforceable under applicable law, then it shall be, to that extent, deemed omitted and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Dispute Resolution; Binding Arbitration

Please read the following section carefully because it requires you to arbitrate certain disputes and claims with TaxAct and limits the manner in which you can seek relief from us. Except for small claims disputes in which you or TaxAct seek to bring an individual action in small claims court located in the county of the defendant’s billing address or disputes in which you or TaxAct seeks injunctive or other equitable relief for the alleged unlawful use of intellectual property, you and TaxAct waive your rights to a jury trial and to have any dispute arising out of or related to these Terms or our Services resolved in court. Instead, all disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or our Services will be resolved through confidential binding arbitration held in Dallas County, Texas in accordance with the Streamlined Arbitration Rules and Procedures ("Rules") of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services ("JAMS"), which are available on the JAMS website and hereby incorporated by reference. You either acknowledge and agree that you have read and understand the rules of JAMS or waive your opportunity to read the rules of JAMS and any claim that the rules of JAMS are unfair or should not apply for any reason.

You and TaxAct agree that any dispute arising out of or related to these Terms or our Services is personal to you and TaxAct and that any dispute will be resolved solely through individual arbitration and will not be brought as a class arbitration, class action or any other type of representative proceeding.

You and TaxAct agree that these Terms affect interstate commerce and that the enforceability of this Section will be substantively and procedurally governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1, et seq. (the "FAA"), to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. As limited by the FAA, these Terms and the JAMS Rules, the arbitrator will have exclusive authority to make all procedural and substantive decisions regarding any dispute and to grant any remedy that would otherwise be available in court; provided, however, that the arbitrator does not have the authority to conduct a class arbitration or a representative action, which is prohibited by these Terms. The arbitrator may only conduct an individual arbitration and may not consolidate more than one individual's claims, preside over any type of class or representative proceeding or preside over any proceeding involving more than one individual. You and TaxAct agree that for any arbitration you initiate, you will pay the filing fee and TaxAct will pay the remaining JAMS fees and costs. For any arbitration initiated by TaxAct, TaxAct will pay all JAMS fees and costs. You and TaxAct agree that the state or federal courts of the State of Texas and the United States sitting in Dallas County, Texas have exclusive jurisdiction over any appeals and the enforcement of an arbitration award.

ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR OUR SERVICES OR CONTENT MUST BE FILED WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER SUCH CLAIM AROSE; OTHERWISE, THE CLAIM IS PERMANENTLY BARRED, WHICH MEANS THAT YOU AND TAXACT WILL NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASSERT THE CLAIM.

You have the right to opt out of binding arbitration within thirty (30) days of the date you first accepted the terms of this Section by sending an email to arbitration@taxact.com. In order to be effective, the opt-out notice must include your full name and clearly indicate your intent to opt out of binding arbitration. By opting out of binding arbitration, you are agreeing to resolve Disputes in accordance with the following Section (Jurisdiction and Venue).

Jurisdiction and Venue

THE VALIDITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY TEXAS LAW (WITHOUT REFERENCE TO CHOICE OF LAW PRINCIPLES), AND APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW. ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN THE PARTIES THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION OR CANNOT BE HEARD IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT WILL BE RESOLVED IN THE STATE OR FEDERAL COURTS OF TEXAS AND THE UNITED STATES, RESPECTIVELY, SITTING IN DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS.

Privacy Policy

Please refer to https://www.taxact.com/privacy-notice for TaxAct's Privacy Policy. If you are a California resident, California law may provide you with additional rights regarding our collection and use of your Personal Information. To learn more about your California privacy rights, visit the Privacy Notice for California Residents at: https://www.taxact.com/privacy-notice-california

Contact

Please refer to https://www.taxact.com/support/request if you would like to contact us regarding this Agreement or the Services or Content.

TaxAct Terms of Service and License Agreement
This paragraph applies specifically to Refund Booster and it does not apply to any other Services, as defined in the TaxAct Terms of Service and License Agreement. You may only use Refund Booster to prepare a W-4 form for your personal use. You agree that you are responsible for submitting accurate and complete information while preparing your W-4 and for reviewing your W-4 for missing information or errors prior to submitting it to your employer or other recipient, and for updating your W-4 as applicable if your circumstances change during the year. You also acknowledge and agree that the tax refund tools included as part of Refund Booster are provided merely as a convenience to our users, and that you retain ultimate responsibility for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of any information you provide while using the Services. By providing an email address to TaxAct, you consent to receive electronic communications from TaxAct as described in the TaxAct Terms of Service and License Agreement and TaxAct’s Privacy Policy.

How it works

Bulletted list icon
Answer a few simple questions.
Slider icon
Choose how much more money you want in your refund (or paycheck).
Download icon
Download your completed W-4 and provide to the person that handles your payroll.

We’re going to start by asking you a few questions, which takes about 5 minutes.

By clicking Accept, you agree to our Privacy Notice, End User License Agreement, and Additional Terms.

Please select an option below.

On my most recent tax return... information icon image
(the one I filed this year)

Getting a refund
This question is asking about the tax return you filed for your 2023 taxes (you probably filed your tax return in 2024).

Why do we ask?

If your goal is to get a larger refund (or to have more money in each paycheck), we need to understand how big your last refund was.

How much was your refund?

If you owed taxes...

The most common reasons for you to owe money is because you had a 2nd job or other income. The following questions should help withhold the right amount of taxes from your job so you don’t owe next year (this may result in a lower paycheck).
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Please select an option below.

What kind of refund do you want next year? Information or tool tip icon

(You can change your mind later)
What kind of refund do you want?
We want to understand your goal so we can best continue to guide you through this tool.

Can I really get a bigger refund?

A stack of cards with dollar sign on it

Yes, you can!

Here is how it works: extra money is withheld from each paycheck and you get all that money back in your refund. It’s still your money so you can decide when you want to get it (but you don’t get any extra money).

Why would I do this?

Think about what you use your refund for. If you could use a bigger refund and find it hard to save that money from each paycheck, this could be a way for you to have that money when you get your refund. But remember, the IRS doesn’t pay interest on this money… but many banks accounts barely pay interest these days anyway!

Can I really get a bigger paycheck?

Money

Yes, you can!

Here is how it works: the money you would get in your refund can be divided into each paycheck (by telling your employer to hold back less money in taxes).

If I do this, will I owe money? If something important has changed in your tax situation this year (such as marriage/divorce, buying/selling a house, or a significant change in income), consider going with the default withholdings because withholding too little could have you owing taxes/penalties to the IRS. If you answer the questions accurately, you should not owe money.

Minimizing your refund

Money

It’s smart to get a refund as close to zero as possible. That way you don’t owe the IRS money and the IRS is not holding onto your money without paying you interest.

By default, the IRS typically keeps extra money from each paycheck so that you get a refund.

If you withhold less money from each paycheck, you could risk owing the IRS (including possible penalties). It’s important that you answer the questions as accurately as possible so we can help you estimate the right amount to adjust your withholdings.

Getting a similar refund

Money

If your goal is to have a similar refund to last year, you don’t need to complete a new W-4. However, if your circumstances change during this calendar year (for example you have a child, buy a house, start a business, or have a significant change in income) these could increase (or decrease) your refund. Updating your W-4 should bring your refund and paycheck into better balance.

A note about owing taxes...

Money

If you owed money last year because you had a 2nd job or had other income, the following questions should help you withhold the right amount of taxes from each paycheck so you don’t owe next year (this may result in a lower paycheck).

Please select an option below.

For your main job, how often do you get paid? information icon image

How often do you get paid?
This question is asking how many pay periods do you have in a year. We need to know this so we can estimate the change to each paycheck as you decide how big of a refund you want next year. This should be for your main job that you receive a W-2.
Adjust your refund
Adjusting your paycheck does not mean you get “extra money.” Your employer doesn’t care if you get more money in your paycheck or more money in your refund because it’s your money and you can decide.

Think about what you use your refund for. If you could use a bigger refund and find it hard to save that money from each paycheck, this could be a way for you to have that money when you get your refund. But if you could use more money in each paycheck, this is an easy way to pull money from your refund into each paycheck.

Adjust your refund information icon image

You have a choice between a larger paycheck or a larger refund.
To get a bigger refund, additional money will come out of your paycheck each pay period.


{{Math.abs(user.finalPaycheckDisplay) | toCurrency}}
Additional per paycheck
Less per paycheck
{{ Math.abs((user.finalRefundDisplay-user.refundAmount)) | toCurrency }}
Additional in your refund
Less in your refund
{{Math.abs(user.finalPaycheckDisplay) | toCurrency}} x {{user.paychecks}} Paychecks = Approximately {{ Math.abs(user.finalRefundDisplay-user.refundAmount) | toCurrency }}
Next tax refund: About {{user.finalRefundDisplay | toCurrency}}
Show details Hide details
Refund Last Year: {{ user.refundAmount | toCurrency }}
Additional Refund: Less In Your Refund: {{ Math.abs(user.finalRefundDisplay-user.refundAmount) | toCurrency }}
Next tax refund: Balance Due Next year: {{Math.abs(user.finalRefundDisplay) | toCurrency}}
Paycheck will increase by: Paycheck will be reduced by: {{Math.abs(user.finalPaycheckDisplay) | toCurrency}}

Note: given your selection, you are likely to owe the IRS next year. Depending on your tax situation, you could owe penalties.
Please select an option below.

What is your filing status? information icon image

(that you expect to have on next year's tax return)
What is your filing status?

This is the filing status you expect to have on next year’s tax return. So if you plan to get married this year and you expect to filing jointly, then choose that option.

Single: No spouse.

Married Filing Separately: Each spouse is responsible for their own taxes.

Married Filing Jointly: You and your spouse plan on filing your taxes together.

Head of Household: Unmarried, paid more than 50% to run your home and supported a qualifying person.

Why do we ask?

The IRS requires this information on the W-4 form so they can estimate your taxes. The IRS tries not have taxpayers owe money at the end of the year. Getting this status right is important for that goal.

Please select an option below.

How many jobs do you expect to have this year? information icon image
(not including your spouse)

How many jobs do you have?
This includes jobs you expect to have this year and jobs you’ve had this year but are no longer working there.

Why do we ask?

The IRS requires this information on the W-4 form so they can estimate your taxes. You could owe money to the IRS if don’t identify all of your jobs. If you get a new job later this year that you didn’t expect now, then come back and go through this exercise again. You can always update your W-4 and give it to your payroll department at any time.
How much do you expect to make?
This is an estimate of how much money you expect to make this year, including bonuses.
How much do you expect to make?
This is an estimate of how much money you expect to make this year, including bonuses. We ask for your highest paying job first to properly calculate your estimates.
Will you personally pay estimated taxes to the IRS for his job (1040-ES)?
Estimated taxes are for jobs where your employer does not take out taxes each pay period. For example, many contracting jobs and "gig" jobs, you are responsible for paying your own taxes quarterly through estimated taxes.


If your income or job situation changes significantly later this year, return to Refund Booster to update your W-4.


How much do you expect to make this year? information icon image Job 1: Your highest paying job,
How much do you expect to make this year? information icon image

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Job 1: For this job, are you an employee where your employer takes out taxes from each paycheck?
(typically you get a W-2 from this job)   I'm not sure information icon image

To more accurately estimate your refund, it is important that you answer this question correctly. Contact your employer or look at your last pay stub if you are not sure if your employer takes out taxes (called witholdings). If you get this wrong, you could end up owing money to the IRS.

Job 1: Will you contribute to a 401K (or similar tax deferred plan)?

Job 1: 401K Contributions this year

$

Job 1: Did you, or will you, contribute to an HSA, FSA, pre-tax childcare credit account or other "cafeteria plan"?

Contributions this year

$

For Job 1, start with the job for which you want to complete a W-4 form. If your employer does not withhold taxes, then you cannot change your tax withholding to adjust your refund (or paycheck). If you do not have any jobs that withhold taxes, then Refund Booster cannot help you.

Job 2: How much do you expect to make this year? information icon image

$

Job 2: Are you an employee where your employer takes out taxes from each paycheck?
(typically you get a W-2 from this job)   I'm not sure
information icon image

To more accurately estimate your refund, it is important that you answer this question correctly. Contact your employer or look at your last pay stub if you are not sure if your employer takes out taxes (called witholdings). If you get this wrong, you could end up owing money to the IRS.

Will you personally pay estimated taxes to the IRS for his job (1040-ES)? information icon image

Note: We recommend that you continue paying estimated taxes for this job.
Note: Your paycheck might go down: Additional taxes will be taken out of each paycheck from your main job to cover taxes you will owe for this job (if you didn’t identify this job when you previously submitted a W-4 for your main job, your paycheck will decrease).

Job 2: Will you contribute to a 401K (or similar tax deferred plan)?

Job 2: 401K Contributions this year

$

Job 2: Did you, or will you, contribute to an HSA, FSA, pre-tax childcare credit account or other "cafeteria plan"?

Contributions this year

$

Job 3: How much do you expect to make this year? information icon image

$

Job 3: Are you an employee where your employer takes out taxes from each paycheck?
(typically you get a W-2 from this job)   I'm not sure
information icon image

To more accurately estimate your refund, it is important that you answer this question correctly. Contact your employer or look at your last pay stub if you are not sure if your employer takes out taxes (called witholdings). If you get this wrong, you could end up owing money to the IRS.

Job 3: Will you contribute to a 401K (or similar tax deferred plan)?

Job 3: 401K Contributions this year

$

Job 3: Did you, or will you, contribute to an HSA, FSA, pre-tax childcare credit account or other "cafeteria plan"?

Contributions this year

$

Will you personally pay estimated taxes to the IRS for his job (1040-ES)? information icon image

Note: We recommend that you continue paying estimated taxes for this job.
Note: Your paycheck might go down: Additional taxes will be taken out of each paycheck from your main job to cover taxes you will owe for this job (if you didn’t identify this job when you previously submitted a W-4 for your main job, your paycheck will decrease).

4 or more jobs

If you have 4 or more jobs, we recommend you use the IRS's W-4 calculator to produce your W-4. https://www.irs.gov/W4App

Thank you!
Taking out taxes?
If your employer takes out (withholds) taxes, they typically send you a W-2 for this job. Answer ‘yes’ if you get a W-2. Answer ‘no’ if you are expected to pay estimated tax payments on your own.

My "gig" jobs, such as Uber and Lyft, do not take out taxes but require the people working for them to do it themselves. Additionally, many independent contractors also are responsible to pay their taxes quarterly themselves. Select "no" if either one of these applies to you.

Please select an option below.

How many jobs does your spouse have? information icon image

How many jobs does your spouse have?
This includes jobs your spouse expects to have this year and jobs they've had this year but are no longer working at.
How much do you expect your spouse to make?
This is an estimate of how much money your spouse expects to make this year, including bonuses.
How much do you expect to make?
This is an estimate of how much money you expect to make this year, including bonuses. We ask for your highest paying job first to properly calculate your estimates.
Did they get a W2?
If your spouse's employer takes out (withholds) taxes, they typically send a W-2 for this job. Answer ‘yes’ if your spouse gets a W-4. Answer ‘no’ if you are expected to pay estimated tax payments on your own.
Have you personally been paying estimated taxes to the IRS for this job (1040-ES)?
Estimated taxes are for jobs where your employer does not take out taxes each pay period. For example, many contracting jobs and "gig" jobs, you are responsible for paying your own taxes quarterly through estimated taxes.

How much does your spouse expect to make this year? information icon image

Job 1: Your spouse's highest paying job -
How much does your spouse expect to make this year? information icon image

$

Job 1: For this job, are you an employee where your employer takes out taxes from each paycheck?
(typically you get a W-2 from this job)   I'm not sure information icon image

To more accurately estimate your refund, it is important that you answer this question correctly. Contact your employer or look at your last pay stub if you are not sure if your employer takes out taxes (called witholdings). If you get this wrong, you could end up owing money to the IRS.
Since your spouse's job does not provide a W2, they will not need to fill out a W-4.

Job 1: Will your spouse contribute to a 401K (or similar tax deferred plan)?

Job 1: 401K Contributions this year

$

Job 1: Will your spouse contribute to an HSA, FSA, pre-tax childcare credit account or other "cafeteria plan"?

Contributions this year

$

Has your spouse personally been paying estimated taxes to the IRS for this job (1040-ES)? information icon image

Note: We recommend that your spouse continue paying estimated taxes for this job.
Note: Taxes will be witheld from your other job to pay for this one.

Job 2: How much does your spouse expect to make this year? information icon image

$

Job 2: For this job, are you an employee where your employer takes out taxes from each paycheck?
(typically you get a W-2 from this job)   I'm not sure information icon image

To more accurately estimate your refund, it is important that you answer this question correctly. Contact your employer or look at your last pay stub if you are not sure if your employer takes out taxes (called witholdings). If you get this wrong, you could end up owing money to the IRS.

Job 2: Will you contribute to a 401K (or similar tax deferred plan)?

Job 2: 401K Contributions this year

$

Job 2: Did you, or will you, contribute to an HSA, FSA, pre-tax childcare credit account or other "cafeteria plan"?

Contributions this year

$

Has your spouse personally been paying estimated taxes to the IRS for this job (1040-ES)? information icon image

Note: We recommend that they continue paying estimated taxes for this job.
Note: Taxes will be witheld from their other job to pay for this one.

A note about having 4 or more jobs with your spouse

If you have 4 or more jobs combined, we recommend you use the IRS's W-4 calculator to produce your W-4. https://www.irs.gov/W4App

Thank you!

It looks like you have 4 or more jobs.

Briefcase

If you have 4 or more jobs, we recommend you use the IRS's W-4 calculator to produce your W-4. https://www.irs.gov/W4App

Thank you!

Please select an option in both sets of options below.
Dependents
A dependent must live with you for more than half the year, you must provide at least half their financial support and they must have a social security number. If you and an ex-spouse share custody of a child, you need to agree which one of your will claim that child.

Why do we ask?

The IRS requires this information on the W-4 form so they can estimate your taxes.

How many total dependents will you claim? information icon image

Enter the number of dependents:

Of your dependents, how many are under 17?
(as of December 31st of this year)

Enter the number of dependents under 17:

Other Income
Other income includes any other income outside of jobs such as interest from your bank account, dividends or capital gains from stock, retirement income such as social security or pensions, gambling winnings, and alimony.

If your income or job situation changes significantly later this year, return to Refund Booster to update your W-4.

Itemizing your deductions
Common deductions include:
  • Home mortgage interest
  • Property, state, and local income taxes
  • Medical expenses
  • Charitable contributions
Student loan deductions
You can deduct up to $2,500 in the interest you paid on qualified student loans (even if you don’t itemize your deductions). Your student loan provider typically sends you Form 1098-E.

IRA Contributions
If you plan to fund a Traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account), estimate how much money you will put into it this year. If you are contributing to a different type of retirement account (such as a ROTH IRA or 401K) don’t put that here.

Please ensure that you answer all the questions below.

Do you expect other income this year such as interest, dividends or retirement income? information icon image

Estimate your other income:

$


On next year’s tax return, do you expect to itemize your deductions or take the standard deduction? information icon image

(Itemized requires more than {{standardDeductionMarried | toCurrency}} {{standardDeductionSingle | toCurrency}} {{standardDeductionHeadofhouse | toCurrency}} in deductions.)

Estimate your itemized deductions

$

Do you pay any student loan interest? information icon image

Estimate your student loan interest

$

Did you contribute to a traditional IRA ? information icon image

IRA Contributions

$

Almost Done!

Information about yourself so we can auto-populate your new W-4. Why do we ask?

Please ensure that you answer all the questions below.
(So we can communicate with you about TaxAct)
Why do we ask?
This information (other than email address) is required by the IRS and will be printed on your W-4 form. We use email address to communicate with you about TaxAct and it is never shared or sold to 3rd parties.

Step 1: Download your W-4

That's it! Click the icon below to download your new W-4.

For mobile devices: After downloading the PDF above, use the share icon at the bottom of that screen ( or ) to transfer the PDF.

Step 2: Deliver to Payroll

Take your downloaded and printed form to your payroll department.

That's it!



Your W-4 Summary

Last year your refund was: {{ (user.refundAmount*1) | toCurrency}}
Last year your balance due was: {{user.refundAmount | toCurrency}}
Next year’s estimated refund: {{user.finalRefundDisplay | toCurrency}}
Each paycheck will change by about: {{user.finalPaycheckDisplay | toCurrency}}

Refund Booster (W-4)

More money in your refund or more money in your paycheck... it's your money, you decide .
Your Refund: {{desiredRefund | toCurrency}}

Is there a track to getting a bigger refund?
You may be surprised to know, that there is!

By answering a few questions, our Refund Booster can adjust your paycheck, so you get the refund you want – bigger or smaller.

After you answer a few questions, Refund Booster completes a simple W-4 form (not a tax return).

*Offer Details & Disclosures

TaxAct Costs Less: “File for less” and percentage savings claims based on comparison with TurboTax federal pricing for paid consumer online 1040 filing products on 03/01/2024.

Maximum Refund Guarantee: If an error in our software causes you to receive a smaller refund or larger tax liability than you receive using the same data with another tax preparation product, we will pay you the difference in the refund or liability up to $100,000 and refund the applicable software fees you paid us. Read more about our Maximum Refund Guarantee.

$100k Accuracy Guarantee: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TaxAct calculation error, we'll pay you the difference in the refund or liability up to $100,000. This guarantee applies only to errors contained in our consumer prepared tax return software; it doesn't apply to errors the customer makes.  Read more about our $100k Accuracy Guarantee.

Satisfaction Guarantee: If you are not 100% satisfied with any TaxAct product, you may stop using the product prior to printing or filing your return. We are unable to refund fees after you print or e-file your return.

TaxAct Xpert Assist: TaxAct® Xpert Assist is available as an added service to users of TaxAct’s online consumer & SMB 1040 product. Additional fees apply. Unlimited access refers to an unlimited quantity of expert contacts available to each customer. Service hours limited to designated scheduling times and by expert availability. Some tax topics or situations may not be included as part of this service. Review of customer return is broad, does not extend to source documents and is not intended to be comprehensive; expert is available to address specific questions raised by customer. View full TaxAct Xpert Assist Terms and Conditions.

Start Free and File Free: The TaxAct Online Free Edition makes free federal filing available for those who qualify based on income and deductions. See if you qualify for free federal filing and what is included in this year’s Free Edition. For all other online products, you can start free and pay only when you file. This means you will not be charged if you decide to stop using any product prior to printing or e-filing.

Edition Pricing: Actual prices are determined at the time of payment, print, or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Add sales tax for applicable orders. Offers may end at any time and promotional offers may not be combined.

Exceptional Customer Care: Customer care does not include tax advice.

Deduction Maximizer: TaxAct's Deduction Maximizer guides you step by step through the process of completing your return in a way that helps you uncover additional tax advantages and helps you maximize your deductions by checking dozens of additional deductions we know from experience folks don't think to look for. Each deduction you claim may reduce the amount of tax you owe, resulting in a lower IRS bill overall.

All-Inclusive Bundle: All-inclusive is a collection of select products and services that may be used to enhance your DIY 1040 tax preparation and filing experience. The offer does not include additional state(s) returns. If you choose to pay for your bundle using Refund Transfer, then the Refund Transfer is no additional cost to you and will be included in the bundle price. Percent savings based on a la carte pricing. Final price, including added sales taxes, is determined at the time of filing and subject to change without notice.

Price paid, including sales tax, is determined at the time of filing and is subject to change. All TaxAct offers, products and services are subject to applicable terms and conditions.

Audit Defense: See Audit Defense provided by Tax Protection Plus (PDF) for further details of services and requirements. May not apply to certain forms and credits. Certain customers may not qualify for services based on past tax audit history, residency, or other factors. Audit Defense is not insurance. Audit Defense is subject to terms and conditions (PDF) located on Tax Protection Plus's website.

Paid Advertising: TaxAct, Inc. gets fees from some third parties that provide offers to its customers. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate their services to you. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with these third parties.

Real People. Real Reviews. All reviews are from verified TaxAct customers. Reviews are managed by Bazaarvoice and comply with the Bazaarvoice Authenticity Policy, which is supported by anti-fraud technology and human analysis. Cumulative star rating is for all TaxAct products, and certain verified TaxAct customer reviews are incentivized.

Refund Transfer: Refund Transfers are fee-based products offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC. A Refund Transfer Fee and all other authorized amounts will be deducted from the taxpayer’s tax refund.

Refer-A-Friend: Offer valid through October 31, 2024. For each friend you refer to TaxAct who did not prepare and file using us last year, you get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card after they file their taxes using TaxAct’s 2022 Deluxe, Premier or Self-Employed product. Even better, they get 20% off our federal tax filing products by using the share link you provide! It’s not every day you get to be somebody’s hero and make money doing it.

Amazon.com is not a sponsor of this promotion. Except as required by law, Amazon.com Gift Cards ("GCs") cannot be transferred for value or redeemed for cash. GCs may be used only for purchases of eligible goods at Amazon.com or certain of its affiliated websites. For complete terms and conditions, see www.amazon.com/gc-legal. GCs are issued by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. All Amazon ®, TM & © are IP of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. No expiration date or service fees.

This offer is for TaxAct’s consumer federal, online 1040 returns and is subject to specific terms and conditions. See terms and conditions for more information. Offer is subject to change. The value of your gift card is dependent on the offer available at the time you make the referral.

TaxAct E-File Concierge™ service provides phone calls and related support regarding federal e-file status changes using the phone number provided in My Account. Service is subject to availability and limited to federal e-filed tax returns.

Most Popular: TaxAct Deluxe is our most popular product among our online customers with more complex tax situations.

Over 94 Million Returns Filed: Based on e-filed federal returns through TaxAct Consumer and TaxAct Professional software since 2000.

Refund Amounts Shown: Actual refund amounts vary based on your tax situation. Number shown in illustrations are based on IRS published data stating that average 2023 tax refunds were more than $2812. See IRS article for more information.

Trademarks: All trademarks not owned by TaxAct, Inc. that appear on this website are the property of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by or of TaxAct, Inc. TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc. H&R Block is a registered trademark of HRB Innovations, Inc.