For a growing number of people, that nice annual tax refund isn't a luxury anymore — it's going right out the door to pay bills.
More than a third, or 35 percent, in a recent poll, said they are using the money to pay utility, credit card or other bills. A year ago, that number was 27 percent.
According to IRS figures, refunds have been sent to 80 percent of those who filed returns through March 29. The average refund this year has been $2,464, according to the IRS.
Those who waited until today — the last day to file — can consider these statistics as they anticipate that refund check:
r Almost one in five said they spent 10 or more hours on their taxes.
r 63 percent used professional tax preparers, up from last year.
r Nearly nine in 10 said they are organized in keeping tax records.
r About a third said they are saving or investing the money, down slightly from last year.
— Associated Press
