Making Work Pay will cost millions of American taxpayers anywhere from $250 to $400 this coming tax season. These people may need payday loans. (Photo: flickr.com)

Were you one of those people who were elated to hear about the “Making Work Pay” tax break that President Obama gifted to the American people? Truly, it did benefit many people. Workers were paid back to the tune of 6.2 percent of their earned income, with a max of $400 for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. Those singles making more than $95,000 and couples making more than $190,000 weren’t eligible, but then they didn’t have to be.

With that refund, those eligible didn’t have to resort to short term loan options like payday loans. However, for millions more, perhaps they’ll be wishing they had gotten a payday loan instead of having to pay back hundreds of dollars. And don’t even get me started on the farce that is tax refund loans (aka refund anticipation loans).

15-Million-Plus Owe Uncle Barack $250 Apiece

And that’s just the retirees!

That’s what the Associated Press is reporting as consumers are attempting to dig their way out of the blight of the recession. People are looking forward to some debt relief without the pain of tax refund loans, and in this instance, perhaps even without payday loans. But according to the IRS, many of people are going to be disappointed. What goes around comes around … and bites you in the hindquarters.

Who Will Owe Money Because of Making Work Pay?

We’re talking those with more than one job and married couples where both parties work (that’s a big one). These groups will have to repay $400, which could mean a smaller refund or even a tax bill. Even those in their golden years with rusty old Social Security and taxable wages will not have the lamb’s blood painted on their door. Their Obama giveback will be $250. Pony up, America!

Ah, the Memories of Magic Refunds and High Hopes

Individuals felt up to $400 worth of love for Making Work Pay, while couples doubled their pleasure up to $800. It was all part of the revolutionary stimulus package back in February of 2009. It pumped paychecks full of chicken broth, which most consumers promptly spent. If you spent it and you aren’t sure if you’re having enough withheld from your paycheck, click here for a handy calculator. If you don’t like what you find, file a new W-4… fast, because the 2009 tax year is almost over! The IRS has known about this problem since last spring, and they’ve been urging people to check their withholding amount since then.

Picking Up the Pieces of a Shattered Stimulus Plan

Payday loans may be short-term glue for what ails your budget, but this whole stimulus thing replaced pro-mise with pro-blems. For instance, a single worker with two jobs could get a $400 Obama-boost for each job, even though he’s only eligible for one $400 buff. That will have to be paid back. Similarly, with married couples where both work, if they combine to earn over $13,000, they enter a new tax bracket. There’s a total $1,200 boost instead of the $800 that should have been allowed. That’s $400 to pay back, friends. The Census Bureau says that 55 percent of all married couples in America are in this boat. That’s 33 million couples with 400 reasons to love Making Work Pay.

Wait, Don’t Forget Victimized Students

If they’re single and work part-time, they were eligible for the $400 credit. But, all my payday loans and garters, if their parents claimed them as a dependent, they didn’t qualify! In this case, Making Work Pay means paying back that $400.

Retirees Making Work Pay for Obama

More than 50 million Social Security recipients got $250 lump sum payments each, all thanks to Making Work Pay. But they were already receiving the credit for being employed, so the $250 refund will have to be paid back. It keeps getting better for American citizens.

Don’t Make the Same Mistakes in 2010

The Making Work Pay credit is still available, so tread cautiously. You certainly don’t want to create the same problem for yourself again. The average refund was about $2,800, so this Making Work Pay giveback will not result in a bill for many. However, some won’t be quite so lucky.

Iowa Sen. Chuck “Seppuku” Grassley of Iowa took a break from his more breathless moments to nail Making Work Pay on the head. It was “another unfortunate example of what can happen when Congress and the White House rush through legislation like the stimulus without thinking through the consequences,” he told the AP.

(Insert forehead slap and “I shoulda had a payday loan!” here)

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But let’s think about it. Since it’s time to file your income taxes, you may be thinking about the size of the refund you are entitled to. If you experience a financial setback at this time, it’s only natural to be interested in the possibility of receiving your tax refund money early, right?

Be careful – tax refund loans aren’t as good as they seem

Tax refund loans, also called instant refund loans or refund anticipation loans, seem like a great thing if you need cash right now. But the costs are steep. Origination fees range from $29.95 to $89.95, and electronic filing fees of $40 are also common. All you typically need to apply is a year-end pay stub, proof of employment and identification. Sure, you can receive all or a portion of your tax refund (up to about $5,000) within a couple of days, but why would you want to when payday loans are available without origination or “filing” fees?

According to About.com, “the fees for the average refund of just under $2,000 extrapolate to an annual percentage rate of 222.5 percent. Yet 12 million taxpayers paid over $900 million dollars in fees last year just to get their refunds a little faster.”

People think they need tax refund loans

Have they heard of no fax payday loans? They a much more attractive option. Yet the new trend persists.

In Atlanta Journal-Constitution coverage of this outrageous phenomenon, we see that people are indeed using tax refund loans to cover cash emergencies. Graphic artist Pat Cameron had medical bills to cover, so he went to Jackson Hewitt for a tax refund loan.

“I know they charge so much, but this will get me through the first of the month,” he said.

The IRS doesn’t endorse such programs, but neither do they openly speak out against them. They encourage taxpayers to use free electronic filing services, which directly deposit any refund monies due into a consumer’s checking or savings account in about 10 business days. For those who can show hardship, there are even special programs available. But if even that is not fast enough, faxless payday loans are a much better option than tax refund loans.

Recession drives people to desperate ends

That’s exactly the category tax refund loans fall under: desperation.

Overdue bills, foreclosures, rent and many other ominous signs are threatening the financial well-being of consumers. Numerous big-box tax preparation companies like H & R Block, Jackson Hewitt and others are swooping in with these high fee, high interest loans.

Suzanne Boas, president of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta, is quoted on the matter in the Journal-Constitution

Generally, we don’t think it’s a good idea to pay such an exorbitant rate to get what would be due to you anyway in a couple of weeks.

Consumers, payday loans are a better option!

If you are due a tax refund, you will receive it in a couple of weeks if you are using free electronic filing with direct deposit. Don’t go the route of tax refund loans unless paying exorbitant fees upon fees, plus high interest are OK with you. Logically, it’s not the best choice. If you need quick cash for an emergency and can’t wait until you have your tax refund safely in your bank account, try payday loans. They’re cheaper, fast and quite discreet.

If you need assistance with tax trouble click tax resolution/settlement.