Frugal tax filing. . . .

For the first year EVER in my adult life, I haven't yet submitted my tax returns. I'm usually the person who sends in an electronic return on January 31st at midnight (after all of my W2's and associated documentation has arrived in the mail or in my email inbox). I can't WAIT to get my hands on my refund each year!

There was a time in the not-so-distant past that my refund would have been spent on shoes, or clothes, or trinkets, or, yes, more shoes. For the past couple of years, my refund has gone straight to debt repayment. And that's exactly where this year's refund will go, just as soon as I'm able to file!

Although I'm finding nothing about this on the H & R Block website or even anything recent on the IRS website (the last press release was dated January 7), I remember reading that I needed to wait to file, since the tax changes late last year are not yet reflected on certain forms (Schedule A) that I need to complete. So wait I will. While twiddling my thumbs and wondering how much ole Uncle Sam will give back to me this year. Hopefully enough to make a smallish dent in my student loan debt, since I was only able to send $950 in that direction last month.

One day I'll be able to count my tax refund as a nice little gift, to be used for travel or other fun experiences. For now, that money is needed to pay down the 'stupid tax' that I owe to the U.S. Department of Education. . . .