Tax return and yearly payment

[sillywalks]

Last year I received about $3000 on my tax refund. I have adjusted my withholdings, but I am not sure if I will still get a refund or not.

I also should receive a $3000 once a year payment for CS arrearage (assuming my ex has found a job - basically, he pays me from his tax refund).

Assuming I will get money back from my taxes and my ex comes through on the $3000 -- would you wait to file until after these items come in (I usually file my taxes as early as possible) and use the money for expenses? Is there a problem filing soon after getting this money, especially in consideration of not paying on CC's at that time?

My plan would be to spend this money on pre-paying my auto insurance, increasing my pre-tax medical expense amount, pre-paying utilities, lawn service, etc. All pre-payments would be for services, not debt.

Thanks.

[tcreegan]

Hi again sillywalks,

You are right on with the plan for spending the tax refund.

I think you can exempt the child support payments under Georgia exemptions: 44-13-100 - Alimony and child support needed for support.

Good luck with everything,

Tom in Colo

[sillywalks]

Hi again sillywalks,

You are right on with the plan for spending the tax refund.

I think you can exempt the child support payments under Georgia exemptions: 44-13-100 - Alimony and child support needed for support.

Good luck with everything,

Tom in Colo

Hey, Tom! I hope all is well with you, too.

I don't think I can exempt the CS because it is actually arrearage -- my ex did not pay for 17 years, when I was able to track him down. We went through arbitration and modified the original child support order, and basically all he is paying is arrearage -- not technically child support needed for support (although I certainly contribute a good bit towards support of my now 21-year-old son! ). I could be wrong, though -- anyone else care to chime in on this one?

Thanks again!