Each year, a number of U.S. taxpayers around the country get tax refunds even if they build on zero income tax. This is due to deducting calculations and the earned income tax credit. Because withholding is calculated on an annually basis, an individual just entering the work force or unemployed for a long period of time will have more tax than is owed withheld.

For a greater majority, however, tax refunds are simple ‘savings’ – money that the government kept for you that you are now going to get back for use in other things. Many Americans are pleasantly surprised to receive tax refunds each year. Most people use the money to pay off debts, beef up savings accounts, and even go on vacations.

To get your tax refund you have three options. You can either let the government directly deposit your tax refund into your bank account, have a check mailed to you, or apply your refund to next year's income tax.

There are several good reasons to prepare and file your taxes online

• If you expect a refund check, filing online is a great option. The IRS can process your return and issue tax refunds much sooner than if you mailed a paper return.

• Preparing and filing directly from your computer will cost you much less than going to a tax professional, and way less than going to a CPA.

• By using your computer, your forms will be much more legible than anything you could hand-write, which will help cut down on possible errors.

Join the millions of people who have discovered how easy, online tax filing can be. The cost will be much less, your tax forms will get to the IRS with no hand-written errors, and you'll get your tax refund in as little as 10 days.