If, as bmccasland says, it is an advance like last time, then all it means is that we are getting our tax refunds back a few months early, but I guess it makes them look like political heroes just in time for the election. Last time, most people did not understand this little catch, and when they went to have their taxes figured, SURPRISE!!! I do my own taxes and understood this last time, and there actually is a place where they ask the amount of your refund, but my principal argued with me. Said it was just a "gift". He was one of the ones whose taxes were held up because he figured it incorrectly as another poster mentioned.

So, in January 2009, my son on the USS Eisenhower will be shipped back to the middle east (yeah, he has already been told) and I will get $600 less on my tax refund. Guess how I'm voting????