Definition

The money you receive back if you’ve overpaid your taxes during the year, effectively returning excess withheld funds.

What to consider

  • Examine the fees and interest rates before borrowing against your refund.
  • Consider whether waiting for your refund might be a better option.
  • Use this option only in a genuine cash crunch.

Real world scenarios

  • Shan receives a sizable refund and directs most of it into an emergency fund. She treats herself to a small reward but prioritizes savings.
  • Martha uses her modest refund to clear a store credit card balance, reducing monthly interest costs.
  • Peter adjusts withholdings after a big refund, preferring to have more money each paycheck rather than wait for tax time.

Related terms

Taxes