How to Get a Tax Refund

Getting a tax refund can put much needed money in your pocket during tax season. Getting a refund may not always be as easy as you think. If you plan ahead during the year you can increase the amount of your refund. There are also methods you can use to get the refund faster when you file.

Knowing how to get a tax refund is valuable information. In many cases some simple planning and a few changes to your withholdings can allow you to get a bigger refund each year. There are always ways you can speed up the process for getting your refund if you're in a crunch at tax time.

• Change your withholdings at the beginning of the year. Your employer requires you to fill out a W-4 form, and this has your withholding information on it. There is an option on the W-4 to allow for additional withholdings. You can do a small amount each pay period and you'll increase your odds of a good tax return. A lot of people will have an extra $10-$20 withheld each pay period. Anything you overpay ends up coming back to you. You can change this at any time you want.


• File your taxes as soon as possible. Employers have until January 31st to mail out the W-2. However, many employers will do this the last week in December. If you file as soon as you get all of your W-2's in the mail you will get a refund much faster.


• Opt for direct deposit of your refund. Since this doesn't require a paper check to be printed and mailed it will cut back on the amount of time you have to wait. If you are in a real crunch for money and don't want to wait for standard mailing you can use a tax filing service that offers a refund anticipation loan. This will allow you to get the money in just a few hours, but it does carry a steep price.