The IRS has processed 87.5 million returns so far this tax season and, as of March 27, it has paid out nearly 63 million refunds.
The average amount returned: $3,521. That’s up $351 (or 11.1%) from the same period last year, but still well below the average $1,000 boost that the US Treasury projected.
However large your refund (not just from Uncle Sam, but your state too), think about how it can be put to use most effectively in your life.
To help you make that call, consider the following five questions:
1. Are you behind on critical payments?