(MONEY Magazine) – If the Secretary of the Treasury publicly groused about the new W-4 tax- withholding form, how is the poor, befuddled taxpayer to cope? Although James Baker's troops are scrambling to simplify the form, the best counsel remains: fill out the current W-4 promptly. Any delay could result in underwithholding and a jolting tax bill next April. Here are some shortcuts through the four- page labyrinth:

-- If you are single or married with a nonworking spouse and your income besides salary amounts to less than $950, chuck the baffling calculations and take two allowances for yourself plus one for each dependent. -- If you are a working couple, beware of underwithholding: your combined incomes may throw you into a higher tax bracket. Thus claim no personal allowances and estimate extra withholding as instructed.

-- Individuals who have substantial nonwage income from predictable sources like bank interest should also estimate additional withholding or risk a stiff fine for underpayment. -- Whatever your category (and unless your income will decline this year), ensure that your 1987 withholdings equal or exceed your 1986 tax liability. That way, if you unintentionally underwithhold, you will not be liable for a penalty. For those still utterly flummoxed, tax preparers like H&R Block will fill out your W-4 for $3 to $20, depending upon the intricacy of your finances and whether or not you are a regular customer.