For many hardworking Americans, the beginning of a new year and the start of the tax season bring financial stress and anxiety. With high home heating costs, overdue bills from the holiday season, and lingering debts, taxpayers often spend January and February wondering how they will make ends meet. Add an unexpected emergency, such as a sudden medical or car problem, and many Americans find themselves in challenging financial straits.

The Coalition for Taxpayer Financial Choice (CTFC) understands these financial challenges and is working to provide information on short-term credit options for all Americans, particularly during the tax-filing season. Financial options such as refund anticipation loans (RALs) and non-loan products provide important short-term financial solutions for many consumers. Some taxpayers may have access to and choose to use a credit card advance, home equity loan, or some other financial tool to address their immediate needs. CTFC believes it’s important that all taxpayers, regardless of income level, be able to manage their personal finances using all available financial options. CTFC is working to provide taxpayers with information on those tax-time solutions...