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Jack I also tried to PM you and got the message that you can't receive messages.

Yep, back in the old days, most were receiving large refunds (those who were filling out their form "straight up"). A few politicians later, the ones who made changes to make net pay appear bigger as an election point, and we have many who are cutting it close, or going negative, with a "straight up" W4 form. Those that actively manage their withholding, at least honestly, will always come out fine (or as desired). The ones who just go with the standard entries, they are the ones who are at risk, although less likely so starting with the 2019 form (since many will not delve into things like child credits). The recent ones I dealt with are KY (lowered withholding, raised sales tax, for a net tax increase - since no government ever takes a pay cut) and ID, which altered their withholding calculations to make "allowances" mean child tax credits, without requiring employees to provide an updated W4 (so many are now effectively taking a child tax credit for self and spouse), and the ID "W4" instructions actually create a form which is invalid for federal use, even though it is what ID suggests... But, as I get older, I accept what will be will be, and understand complication is good for me.

Thanks, Catherine. I saw that on Tax Talk. He was a reliable and knowledgeable contributor and will be missed.

Scott Bonadker, of Tax Talk, Tax Pro Exchange, and taxprofessionals groups, died on May 9th after a battle with cancer. Obit is here: Scott Bonacker obituary