I see a lot of people's opinions on this thread and i dont think anyone is wrong about paying or owing.
Sure when you get a refund, all you are doing is getting back the 0% interest that you loaned the govt. However, some people feel more comfortable getting money back, pay more to the govt, and not be stressed about writing a check come April. Some people would rather owe in April and leave money aside for taxes. Different strokes for different folks.
I dont file my taxes until September every year. When I get a refund, i usually just apply to next years taxes just to pay taxes in. I'll even send $$ with my extension if i feel that i need to just to avoid penalties.
If I am going to sit with xxxx in my bank account, i'd rather the government hold it just so I dont have to pay interest and penalties. Should I keep that $$ aside and put into a savings account and earn interest? 100% i should. I just dont