Did it happen again? Did you say you were going to put some of your tax refund into savings last year, only to realize you spent the whole thing before you had a chance to move the money? If this describes you, then let the option to split the tax refund come to your rescue!
Savings will improve financial security. Life is unpredictable and brings about unexpected events that cause stress. The stress level of an unexpected event such as a major car repair is difficult to handle. The financial burden of the bill from the repair shop is just part of the problem. The need for new transportation arrangements until the vehicle is repaired is not only inconvenient, but can be very expensive. Money in savings helps buffer the impact on the financial situation.
Virginia Saves encourages people to become savers. The tax refund can jumpstart savings and prepare for life’s bumps in the road. Virginia Saves’ partners offer free or low cost, low balance accounts especially designed for our savers. Most people can become savers regardless of income. Start saving a portion of income received every month. Make savings automatic! Automatic transfers are great saving options at most local banking institutions. Start small. Transfer $5 to $25 to a savings account monthly. Think Big. The amount that is saved is not as important as just starting the habit of saving.
According to the IRS, the average refund for electronically filed tax returns in 2009 was approximately $2900. The IRS allows the tax refund to be split among two or three accounts. For example a $1500 tax refund can deposit $500 into a checking account to pay past bills or purchase current needs and deposit $1000 into a savings account for emergency savings. Tax preparers use Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account, to allocate the tax refund to accounts as requested. This form tells the IRS how much money to electronically deposit in each account. It is important to check the box on the 1040 that indicates the splitting of the tax refund and double check the account and routing numbers before the form is submitted. See Frequently Asked Questions about splitting tax refunds.
Do something different this year; save part of your tax refund. You will be glad you did!
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