Economic Stimulus 2009 - The Making Work Pay Tax Credit - H&R Block

You must have JavaScript enabled to view our site.

Your browser currently has JavaScript disabled. Please follow the directions below to enable JavaScript.

Instructions for enabling JavaScript on a PC

Internet Explorer 6 and above

On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Security tab.
Under Select a zone, click the Internet zone.
Under Security level for this zone, click Default level.
Click the OK button at the bottom of the window, and then OK again.
Return to H&R Block.

Instructions for enabling JavaScript on a Macintosh.

Safari

Click on Safari, then select Preferences. (PC Safari users: Click on Edit, then select Preferences.)
Click on the Security tab.
Under Web content, ensure that Enable plug-ins and Enable JavaScript are checked.
Close the window.
Quit Safari, and then restart the browser.
Return to H&R Block.

Mozilla Firefox version 2 and above

On the Tools menu, click Options.
On the Content tab, click to select the Enable JavaScript check box.
Click the OK button at the bottom of the window.
Click the Go back one page button to return to the previous page, and then click the Reload current page button to run scripts.
Return to H&R Block.

Mozilla Firefox version 2 and above

Click on Firefox and select Preferences.
On the Content tab, click to select the Enable JavaScript check box.
Click the OK button at the bottom of the window.
Quit Mozilla Firefox, and then restart the browser.
Return to H&R Block.

Find the office or tax pro to get you every advantage at tax time, explain all your refund options, and offer tax help year-round.

Prepare your own taxes with our
do-it-yourself online and software solutions, with built-in expertise from H&R Block.

NEW: Prepare your taxes online plus get unlimited advice from a real H&R Block tax pro who will correct, guarantee and e-file your return — all without having to leave your home.

Get accurate tax tips, estimate your taxes and build your tax prep checklist. Start your tax planning here.

Post your tax question — any tax question — and H&R Block tax professionals will answer it for free.

Our traditional checking, savings, certificates of deposit, IRAs, loans and the Emerald Card offer simple and smart banking solutions.

Find solutions to your technical questions. From forgotten logins to printing past returns to program troubleshooting, we're here to help with the online and phone support you need.

Avoid an unexpected tax bill by following these steps to see if you should adjust your W-4 allowances:

Step 1. Use H&R Block's Making Work Pay Calculator to see how the changes in the 2009 economic stimulus plan changed the total amount of dollars in your paycheck.

Step 2. If the total amount shown in the blue box at the bottom of the calculator is more than $400 if you are single or more than $800 if you are married filing jointly, then you may want to adjust your W-4 allowances so you don't have a reduced refund or increased balance due at tax time.

Step 3. Use H&R Block's Withholding Calculator to determine the number of allowances and additional withholdings that you may need to claim on your W-4 in order to prevent an increased balance due at tax time.

Note: If you have more than one W-2, please use the IRS Withholding Calculator. Use the IRS calculator.

Step 4. The Making Work Pay tax credit is pretty complex. If you would like a professional at H&R Block to help you understand how you will be affected and what can be done, please stop in at a year-round office near you for a free consultation.

The tax checkup and information provided are estimates, and your actual tax liability may materially differ depending on recent and future changes to the tax law and changes in your personal and financial circumstances. If your personal and financial circumstances do change, we suggest that you review the changes with your tax advisor.

Careers | Company | Emerald Card® | En Español | Franchises | Income Tax Course | myBlock | Press Center