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Have you overpaid your taxes? Tweak your W-4

According to Internal Revenue Service statistics, the agency issued refunds to more than 100 million taxpayers who overpaid their 2004 taxes. If you received or expect to receive a refund, the Maryland Association of CPAs recommends that you adjust the amount of taxes your employer withholds from your paycheck.

While most people enjoy receiving a refund, you should aim to have your withholding come as close as possible to matching your actual tax liability. When you have too much withheld from your paycheck, you're giving the government free use of your money — money you could use throughout the year to generate income, pay off debt or meet expenses.

Adjusting your withholding

To adjust your withholding, file a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, with your employer. The earlier in the year you do this; the easier it will be to have the appropriate tax withheld for 2006.

Your employer utilizes the information you supply on your Form W-4 to determine the appropriate withholding amount. There are two key pieces of information you need to provide. The first is whether you choose to have taxes withheld at the married or single rate. Only taxpayers who are married and file a joint return should choose the married status, which calls for a lower withholding rate. Others are best off having taxes withheld at the higher, single rate.

The second is the number of withholding allowances you claim. You can claim any number of allowances — up to the maximum number to which you're entitled. You may claim fewer allowances than you are entitled to or even zero. The more allowances you claim, the fewer taxes withheld.

Choosing the right number of allowances

The Form W-4 includes several worksheets: a personal allowance worksheet, a deductions and adjustments worksheet and the two-earner / two-job worksheet. To determine the appropriate number of allowances, the IRS suggests that you complete each of the Form W-4 worksheets that apply to your circumstances.

If you prefer, the IRS Web site offers an online W-4 calculator that estimates your tax bill and recommends the number of allowances you should claim.

Updating your withholding information

Once you've revised your W-4 to correct your overpayment, you may think you're set for a while. Not necessarily. There are many factors that can change your tax status during the year and may require revising the number of allowances you claim.

For example, you may need to tweak your withholding when you get married or divorced, have or adopt a child, or when you gain or lose a dependent. Other factors include changes in your income or in the adjustments, credits and deductions you can claim for tax purposes.

Making the most of the extra cash in your paycheck

With your withholding corrected to avoid overpayment, you'll find more money in each paycheck. Rather than spending that extra money, put it to work for you and your family. Deposit the extra cash in a savings or money market account, add it to your retirement savings or invest it.

If in the past you intentionally overpaid your taxes as a form of forced savings, there's a better way. You may be able to arrange to have an amount deducted from your paycheck each month and automatically credited to a savings or investment account.

Getting advice from a CPA

Calculating an appropriate withholding level can be challenging. A CPA can help you determine the correct number of allowances to claim.

Only CPAs are equipped to address your full range of financial needs with integrity and insight. In Maryland, CPAs must pass a rigorous two-day examination, adhere to strict ethical and professional standards, and, beyond college, complete 80 hours of continuing education every two years to be certified by the state — accountants do not.

Your doctor is certified; your lawyer is certified. Make sure your accountant is a certified public accountant.

For CPA referrals in your area, contact the MACPA at (410) 296-6250 or click here.

The Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) is a statewide professional association that provides leadership, information and services for its nearly 10,000 CPA members, who are employed in private practice, industry, government and education. CPAs are business and financial professionals who have passed a rigorous two-day examination in order to be licensed by the state. CPAs are committed to protecting the public interest, and must adhere to stringent ethical and professional standards and continuing professional education requirements.