I normally do the same thing, Mak. I claim single, none throughout the year, with an extra $20 - $40 taken out each week. I would rather get money back than have to pay in, but I may end up paying in this year due to being unemployed.
There's a huge difference between not paying in enough and getting a $10,000 refund. I prefer to invest my money through the year to take advantage of dollar cost averaging. Or it can be put toward debt throughout the year to save on interest.
I never said we didn't save on our own. We avoid debt if at all possible, but me being out of work for a year has completely tapped all of our savings.Trotter hit it on the head. If you can't save money on your own, you have to get the IRS to help you. I've never gotten an income tax refund. I save money for big purchases head of time.