| |
| |
|
Taxes Information |
|
|
|
Anticipating Your IRS Refund Can Cost You Plenty
While accountants are reaching for aspirin, millions of Americans are reaching for some fast cash this tax season. Unfortunately, those who reach for fast cash in the form of a "refund anticipation loan" are getting hit with interest rates and fees that are out of this world. The tempting ads are plastered in newspapers and on television for "fast cash refunds", "express refunds", or "instant refunds." The ads offer to get your refund in a day or two, or in some cases even instantly. What is a "refund anticipation loan"? It's a loan that borrows against your anticipated tax refund from the IRS. Refund anticipation loans, or RAL's as they are known in the tax industry, carry annual percentage rates (APR's) of about 60% to over 700%, a fact that many consumers either don't realize or simply overlook. RAL's are marketed to people who need money the most such as low and moderate income workers. A report by the National Consumer Law Center notes that "about 40% of the 12 million refund loan customers in 2000, were families who received the Earned Income Tax Credit, the largest federal poverty assistance program." And since the RAL's often use the term "refund" in their ads, many of those who take the bait don't realize that they're receiving a loan and not their actual refund from the IRS. The fees associated with RAL's are expensive. For example, let's say the IRS owes you a refund of $2,000. In order to get a RAL you pay the following: RAL loan fee = $75, Electronic filing fee = $40, tax preparer's fee = $100. Total fees associated with your RAL = $215 which is more than 10 percent of your estimated refund. The APR on your refund loan equals a whopping 142 percent! Many low and moderate income workers are without bank accounts and wind up paying an additional fee to set up a one-time-use account so that their IRS refund can be direct deposited. Before giving in to the temptations of refund anticipation loans, ask yourself if you really need your money that quickly. If you can wait just a bit longer for your refund you'll line your own pockets with extra cash rather than forking it over to a RAL lender. A great way to save money at tax time is to go to a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. VITA sites provide free tax preparation to low and moderate income taxpayers and are sponsored by the IRS. They can be found in libraries, community centers and other locations during the tax season. To find a VITA site call the IRS general help line at 1-800-TAX-1040 or visit www.tax-coalition.org. About The Author James H. Dimmitt James is editor of "TO YOUR CREDIT", a weekly free newsletter with personal finance news and tips. You can subscribe to the newsletter by visiting http://www.yourfreecreditreportnow.com. He is also author of "Identity Theft - How to Avoid Becoming the Next Victim!" available at http://tinyurl.com/bc45
MORE RESOURCES:
Taxes - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Understanding Marketing Tax Deductions Marketing is a necessary expense in running practically any business and the IRS acknowledges as much. You may run advertisements on or in the Internet, radio, television, magazines, newspapers and other media to sell your products or services. Tax Investigation - What You Need To Do The knock on the door from a Tax Inspector is something that every taxpayer fears. Your immediate thoughts will be "Have I been honest with my tax returns or not". Section 179 - Tax Relief From Depreciation Rules "Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most likely to inspire headaches and fits of cussing. The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: Getting The Edge Whether helping the kids with a down payment on their first home, paying the premiums on a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust, or moving appreciated assets to a younger generation, annual gifting will touch the lives of millions of Americans. But before the transfer is made, an investor should spend some time looking at the investment and the tax ramifications of the property to be passed. The Tax Man Cometh... To Search You're at your office, or home, and the doorbell rings - it's the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA").The first thing to do is find out why they've come. Are You Overpaying Taxes If You Use Tax Preparation Software? For many business owners the answer to this quandary is tax preparation software. Fill out a fairly simple interview, click "print" and out comes a completed return that will pass muster with the IRS. IRS Reports Tax Gap of $300 Billion The Internal Revenue Service is reporting that the difference between what U.S. Tax Trap #2 -- Double Taxation: Isnt Once Enough? Have you been thinking about incorporating your small business or self-employment activity? The advantages are many!For starters, you'll be protecting yourself and your family from the possible of a business ending lawsuit. Forming a corporation is Step One on the path known as "Asset Protection" -- you are moving from the world of unlimited liability to the world of limited liability. Know A Tax Cheat? Get Paid To Tell The IRS According to the IRS, taxpayers underpay their taxes by some $300 billion. If you know someone that is contributing to that deficit, the IRS may be willing to pay you up to $10 million for the information you provide. SFR Substitute for Returns: IRS Action on Non-Filers In the latest Star Wars episode, the evil empire executes a brutal revenge on the Jedi. While the IRS is not an evil empire (and due to the Revenue Reform Act of 1998 not very brutal anymore); it too is executing revenge on those who do not comply with filing their tax returns. Small Business Tax Deductions for Year End 2004 As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself with some key deductions that may reduce your tax bill for 2004.Employee Benefit Plans - You may deduct contributions to employee benefit plans (such as health insurance plans and retirement plans). History Of The Federal Income Tax The powers of Congress, and the limitations set upon those powers, are set forth in Article I of the United States Constitution. Section 8 specifies both the power to collect, "Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises," and the requirement that, "Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States. Small Business Tax Issues for Self-Employed Individuals The United States is a nation of entrepreneurs. There are literally tens of millions of self-employed individuals that enjoy pursuing their dream business. How to Check the Status of Your Tax Refund Online So, you were pleasantly surprised to learn that you are getting a refund on your taxes. Congratulations! The question for most taxpayers expecting a return is, "Where is my refund?"Check Your Refund Status OnlineThe easiest way to check on your refund is to ask the IRS through IRS. How to Donate Your Car to Charity and Get Tax Deduction Donating your used car to charity is a win-win situation; the charity gets your gift and you get tax deduction. Below are some simple steps to make a car donation. Get Uncle Sam To Pay $36,000 For Your Childs Education! Let's assume that you would like to begin saving for your children's education fund. At the end of each year, for the next 8 years, you will contribute $2,000 into a Coverdell Education Savings Account (Education IRA), using your after-tax dollars. Tax Deduction for Alimony Payments? - Yes! Over 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United States. Many divorce decrees include provisions for the payment of alimony. Hurricane Katrina - How To Use Your Business Loss To Get A Refund on 2004 Taxes With the massive losses caused by Katrina, the economy of the Gulf Coast region is in extremely bad shape. Fortunately, there is a quirk in the tax code that can help you generate a large refund from your 2004 taxes. Tax Tips to Save Money on Taxes - Get the Corporate Kick and Save Loads of Money Why a Corporation Helps Save You TaxesThe Tax Rates (Notice anything unusual?):The following tables provide a list of the tax rates for individuals and corporations:Personal: $0-$24,650 15% $24,651-$59,750 28% $59, 750-$124,650 31% $124,651-$271,050 36% $271,050+ 39.6%Tax SecretsCorporate: 0-$50,000 15% $50,001-$75,000 25% $75,001-100,000 34% $100,001-$335,000 39% $335-000-$10M 34%If you examine them closely, you will see at least one glaring contrast. Home Business Tax Tips If you have recently started an Internet or home business, your probably a little intimidated by having to submit a tax return and the possibilities of being audited. Simply follow these guidelines and rest assured that filing your next tax return will go smoothly.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
Comment by John S. Baick
