This year the average tax refund is up by around 10% from 2008, and according to Representative John Larson, this increase can be attributed to the numerous tax savings in the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In a new Huffington Post piece Larson explains the 7 new tax incentives created by the act, you can find some of them below or click here for the full list.
The Making Work Pay tax credit - Ninety-five percent of working families are already receiving the Recovery Act's Making Work Pay tax credit of $400 for an individual or $800 for married couples filing jointly in their 2009 paychecks - and will continue to see these benefits in 2010.
Tax credits for college expenses - Families and students are eligible for up to $2,500 in tax savings under the American Opportunity Credit as well as enhanced benefits under 529 college savings plans, which help families and students pay for college expenses.
The Homebuyers tax credit - Homebuyers can get a credit - up to $8,000 for first-time home buyers and up to $6,500 for upgrade homebuyers - for homes under contract by April 30, 2010 and purchased by June 30, 2010 under the Homebuyer tax credit. Over 1.7 million households have already taken advantage of the First Time Homebuyers tax credit.
Tax credits for energy efficient renovations - Taxpayers are eligible for up to $1,500 in tax credits for making energy-efficient improvements to their homes, such as adding insulation and installing energy efficient windows.
The vehicle sales tax deduction - Taxpayers can deduct the state and local sales taxes they paid for new vehicles purchased from Feb. 17, 2009 through Dec. 31, 2009 under the vehicle sales tax deduction.