Tax time cautions Published Jan. 25, 2007 By Michele Schull Reinowski Family Support Center GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, ND -- It's that time of year again when individuals and families getting a tax refund start planning how to spend it. Decisions range from new purchases to paying down or off a debt. These individuals will spend quite a bit of time talking about this decision or have done so already and have a plan in place. It's great to have a plan. I wish to provide a caution at this point. I know you are looking forward to whatever plan you may have in place and the end results. When you file your taxes, chances are you may be offered a tax anticipation refund loan. In almost every case, you're better off choosing the IRS refund instead of risking tax anticipation refund loan. Be aware that Tax Anticipation Refund Loans are speedy, but come at a high cost. If there are errors, the difference will have to be repaid out of pocket. The IRS direct deposit is the best option, although you must wait about a week to obtain your IRS validated funds. Military One Source also offers free tax preparation and filing. Visit http://www.militaryonesource.com to file your federal and state taxes with TaxCut Basic Online by H&R Block. Access your W-2 form online at https://mypay.dfas.mil.