<prompt> Human: We went from getting back about 2k per year and now we owe about 4k per year. I hate paying this but was told it means youre doing well.What do you think? Is it a good sign, bad sign, or not a sign at all?  <response>: Owing money at tax time doesnt mean you did well or poorly, it just means that you didnt have enough taxes taken out of your paycheck or didnt pay enough estimated taxes to cover everything you owe. It can be tough to hit the nail on the head if you have unexpected investment gains or losses during the year, or any other unexpected gains. When you owe a large amount of money at tax time, the IRS may penalize you a small amount, but theyll forgive you the first time it happens, or if you paid at least as much in estimated tax as you owed the previous year. Keep in mind it is never good to receive a large refund. This means you gave the government an interest free loan! 