It is tax deadline day.  This day is only fun if you are receiving a refund - and honestly who waits until the deadline to RECEIVE money? That just doesn't make sense!  As for me, I'm an early filer.  I am always hopeful that maybe, just maybe I'll get money back.  As my dependents continue to outgrow tax credit brackets, I have found that my "refund" is gobbled up in more taxes I need to save for next year.  But still, I always hope.

While it seems we are surrounded by taxes, at this time we are also surrounded by tax credits.  It just takes some poking around to find them.  When it comes to extra money in your pocket, it is really worth investigating.....

HOMEBUYERS TAX CREDIT - I know, I know, I know, you are tired of hearing about it.  I have already had countless blogs about it.  However, it is such a large sum of money we are talking about I hate for anyone to miss out because of lack on information.  This credit is for NEW and EXISTING homeowners for up to $8000 or $6500 respectfully. You MUST be under contract by April 30, 2010 to qualify (and close by June 30, 2010) - so if you have found that perfect house don't delay placing an offer. I would also encourage you to not go it alone - find a Realtor to expedite your search. Having a Realtor costs you nothing - and FREE is just as good as a credit right?  For links and more information visit the tax credit link on my website - some restrictions do apply.

ENERGY TAX CREDITS - Yes we have all heard or experienced the debaucle of the Texas Rebate program.  Personally, with some diligence by my husband, we are on the waiting list with 59,000 other Texans.  (Quite honestly if you are going to have a waiting list of 59,000 why not just make it 60,000 so more people feel like they made it?)  If you missed out on this, and most of you probably did, there is a Federal Tax Credit up to $1500 for certain energy saving windows, water heaters, air conditioning units and more.  You can receive more information with details at the governments energystar website

I hope you will take advantage of either of these programs. Remember it doesn't make sense to wait until the deadline to take advantage of RECEIVING money!