"she had 5 employers, approx 10k of income only had $200 of taxes withheld, approx 15k of income had $806 withheld.  If not for that $806, yes, she would have owed much more."

"she owes instead of getting a refund."

Here's your chance to help this young adult be informed.

Wanting a refund = I'm willing to overpay the government and let them have my money in advance to give it back to me later, as if I am a child who can't be trusted. This is not a Savings Bank. It's your own money.

Owing a little = dang, my withholding was just about right relative to the taxes I owe at the end of my year. My tax preparer and I are working well together as a team to best manage my financial resources.

Owing a lot = I didn't know I need to pay attention to how my year is going, so that I could either adjust for a great year or a poor year by changing the W4 or by making an estimate payment against what I likely will owe at the end of the year. Yes, sometimes life will yoyo.

(now to get off my high horse...)