The money in the account gets used in your community, you are are getting a free one year + 3.5 month loan, helps your credit rating, you now have an "emergency" fund, and you're earning interest - all for a minimum amount of effort on your part.
Watch what poor people do (i.e., don't clam any exemptions so they can get a refund in April), and don't do it.
Ebxcellent advise. I have experienced what uninformed people do. Had one young man file and owe big time come filing time. I asked how he filled out his W4. He said 4 allowances cause thats how many dependents he had, but the ex claims the kids. I karumba...gave him a quick lesson in the purpose of the W4 and told him to run don’t walk to his HR person at work and update. It is really sad how many low level employees don’t understand payroll and the income tax picture. When I have to speak to employees at my work regarding the W4 form, I always start out by stating to the group...you pay taxes on your income...hence the INCOME TAX..because your government loves you. There is always a few people who suddenly get that startled look of..wait...what, we pay taxes on our income.