2009 tax refund paying extra equity in car?

[goblue]

We are paying off a car this month so we're going to have issue with having too much equity for our exemptions.

We are filing late January. If I immediately file my taxes (expect about $4K refund) -- it means the money will be deposited into my account *before* my 341. At that time, can we use that $$ to pay off the equity on the car? Or are they going to want the full tax refund AND have me somehow find a way to pay the equity?

Any thoughts? I don't expect to keep my refund, but would love it we can use it towards keeping the car.

Thanks!

[JRScott]

Most likely you'll have to surrender the tax refund to the trustee, I would not spend any of it without his okay.