Hi everyone and welcome back to Money Girls Quick and Dirty Tips for a richer life.

I'm your host, Laura Adams.

According to the IRS, more than 70% of taxpayers receive an income tax refund.

Would you believe that the average refund is expected to be in the neighborhood of $2,800 this year?

That's a big chunk of change.

In this post I'll help you make the most of your refund from Uncle Sam.

Okay, let's talk refunds. the most of your refund from Uncle Sam.

Okay, let's talk refunds.

If you're expecting a tax refund,

you obviously want to get it as quickly as possible.

That way you can put it to work for you sooner rather than later.

The fastest and safest way to get your tax refund is to submit your return online using E-file.

I'll tell you more about how E-file works in just a moment.

If you E-file and request a direct deposit,

you'll probably receive your funds in less than 10 days.

But if you submit a paper return and request a direct deposit

or a paper check, it could take several weeks longer.

Plus you run the risk that your tax forms or a refund check could get lost or stolen in the mail.

If you don't receive your refund it's important that you make an inquiry about it using the IRS

refund status tool at IRS.gov.

By the way, I'll put a link to all the tools and forms that I mentioned in this show

on the Money Girl blog at moneygirl.

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