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REDMOND, Wash., March 11, 2004-- As the filing deadline
approaches, a majority of taxpayers claim they expect to
receive a refund this year and likely will save or invest the
money. According to a CNBC on MSN®
Money survey* of more than 6,500 Americans, taxpayers are most
interested in socking away their tax refunds, followed by
paying down debt, enjoying leisure activities and making home
improvements.
The survey found that 60 percent of
respondents anticipate a tax refund this year, with 53 percent
expecting a check for more than $1,000. Of those expecting a
refund, 48 percent plan to save or invest the cash, 27 percent
will pay down debt, 7 percent want to tackle home repair
projects, and another 7 percent will participate in leisure
activities (e.g., travel, dining out or attending sporting
events).
Taxpayers also admitted to some of the mistakes they have made
with past refunds -- 28 percent "piddled it away to nothing"
and 17 percent "made an unwise investment." To help those
consumers who would like to invest their tax refunds, CNBC on
MSN Money provides a collection of financial news, expert
commentary and award-winning tools that help investors monitor
the markets and track holdings. Consumers looking to make an
investment can research new opportunities with the Research
Wizard, assess a stock's potential using the StockScouter
rating system and view their investments in the Portfolio
Manager.
"The survey shows that consumers are thinking more about
establishing and growing their nest egg by making investments
and paying down debt," said Chris Jolley, director of product
management for the Financial Products Group at Microsoft Corp.
"As a leading financial news and information Web site, MSN
Money supports consumers' evolving financial needs to give
them the information they need, when they need it -- from
commentary on smart investment choices to savings strategies
and ways to minimize taxes."
Timesaving Tax
Tools
As April 15 quickly approaches, taxpayers are looking for
resources or tips to help make the filing process smooth and
painless. With tools for estimating refunds and finding
deductions, expert commentary on the latest tax laws, and
filing services from H&R Block, the
MSN Tax Center offers consumers a one-stop
destination at tax time:
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Prepare and file returns online.
Consumers can quickly file state and federal tax returns
online through H&R Block or through tax software like Turbo
Tax.
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Estimate and maximize tax refunds. The
Tax Estimator gives consumers an early read on expected
refunds or payments, and the Deduction Finder helps them
identify ways to maximize refunds.
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Make smarter tax-time decisions. Useful
tools, calculators and
articles, such as "Make Tax Time Less Taxing" and "Tax
Breaks for the Not-So-Rich," in the Tax Decision Centers
walk consumers step by step through a particular activity.
* January 2004
NOTE: Microsoft and MSN are either
registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the
United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products
mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective
owners. |
