Financial Experts Share Ideas on How to Use Your Tax Refund

Blog entry courtesy of Consumer Credit Counseling Services. Editors Note: Although this may be a bit late in the tax season, many of us last minute filers are still waiting for our returns. And, with a little luck, those of you who already have your returns haven’t spent it!

Are you expecting a tax refund this year (or maybe you’ve just gotten it back)? Based on IRS figures from mid-March, refunds are averaging about $3,000 each. With an adjustment for inflation, that’s up almost $600 over five years ago. And there are more options for using your refund to promote your family’s financial security than ever before. According to Jim Godfrey, President and CEO of local nonprofit Consumer Credit Counseling Service of MD & DE (CCCS), “It makes sense to have a tax refund game plan. If you know you’re going to receive a one, think about how to use it wisely. That way, you won’t be tempted to go on a spending binge and buy items you don’t really need.”

Many Americans have already taken this advice to heart. In a recent Harris Poll conducted with 2,469 adults, nearly half of those expecting a refund said they plan to use it to reduce their debt, and 44 percent plan to save the money.

Spending Strategies

Baltimore CASH Campaign Director Sara Johnson supports this approach, noting, “When asked, we usually recommend that local residents spend some and save some. This year, many of our clients say they plan to use their refund to cover current or past due bills. If you’re living on the edge, like many of us are, paying down credit cards or other debts can help you gain increased financial stability.”

Godfrey agrees. He recommends that consumers use a portion of their tax refund to pay the balance on whichever credit card has the highest interest rate. “If you can’t completely pay off all your credit cards, at least make a sizeable payment on one with a high rate. That way, you’ll still reduce your interest costs. Using your refund to pay off a balance on a credit card with an 18% interest rate is like earning 18% on your investments. It represents an extremely good value.”

Saving Strategies

Maryland CASH Campaign Director Robin McKinney says, “When it comes to tax refunds, we recommend that you pay yourself first. If you haven’t already set up an emergency fund, this is your chance. By using a portion of your refund to open a savings account, you help insure that you’ll have a nest egg if the car breaks down, you run into medical bills, or experience job loss. It can make a big difference when unexpected expenses or life situations arise.”

McKinney notes that a traditional savings account is just one of the ways that a tax refund can be used to save. “You can also use your refund to buy savings bonds or open a CD.”

This year, the IRS is making it easier than ever for consumers to use their tax refunds to save. Through Form 8888, they can buy savings bonds for themselves or their children or grandchildren right when they file their taxes. They also can designate that their Federal tax refund be deposited in multiple accounts (savings, IRA, CD, etc.) “To do this, you need to know your bank’s routing number and the number for each of the accounts,” McKinney explains. “Then it’s really simple. You or your preparer just fill out the Form 8888, and it is submitted as part of your tax return.” Using Form 588, Maryland residents can also request that their State tax refund be deposited into multiple accounts. Delaware residents are able to direct deposit their State refunds into a single account.

In closing, Godfrey notes, “Tax time is never fun, but it offers consumers a golden opportunity to examine their financial habits and make positive changes. Those who plan and use their tax refunds well are likely to be in a financially stronger position when tax time rolls around again next year.”

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Consumer Credit Counseling Service of MD & DE, Inc. (CCCS) is an accredited nonprofit agency that has served the local community since 1966. CCCS is dedicated to helping individuals and families resolve their financial problems. We promote the wise use of credit through education and confidential budget, money management counseling, and housing counseling. MD State License #14-01.