Saturday, August 4, 2012

Tax Refund Loans Rarely Worth It

It's the time of year when tax preparation services fight to win your business. One of the ways they get you in the door is by offering quick cash. If you've got a refund coming, they'll give you access to that money today.

When you get an instant refund, you're really getting a loan. These "refund anticipation loans" might be helpful, but they're generally expensive. You have to pay a fee as well as an interest charge, and any fee on a small refund equates to a high cost. Waiting the short amount of time it takes the IRS to process your return is probably worth it.

Your best bet is to borrow from a lender, and get your taxes prepared by a tax preparer -- keep these services separate. If you really need a loan, apply for one that does what you need at the lowest cost possible.


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