Plan your tax refund before it arrives.

For many families the tax refund is the biggest single payment of the year. Deciding where it goes before it arrives is the easiest way to make it count.

When it usually arrives

The IRS says most e-filed refunds with direct deposit arrive within 21 days. If your refund includes the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS cannot release it before mid-February.

Give every dollar a job

• Catch up on any bills that are behind
• Pay down the card or loan with the highest interest
• Build an emergency fund, even one month of bills
• Set aside money for costs you know are coming, like school or car repairs
• Keep a small part for something the family will enjoy

Make next year easier

A very large refund can mean too much tax is taken from your pay. A small change to your W-4 can put more in each paycheck instead. We can check it at your appointment.

Our Family Budget and Debt Tracker includes a refund plan and a debt payoff planner. Ready to file? Book a free consultation.