This article, written by Ann Baddour of Texas Appleseed, describes the reasons behind the emergence of the payday lending industry in Texas and how banks and other for-profit and nonprofit organizations are working to create lower-cost options that address the growing frustration among those who...

High-cost, short-term loans such as the refund anticipation loan (RAL) have historically been popular with low-income filers. RALs are based on the taxpayer’s expected refund and are issued at the time of filing. They allow the taxpayer to receive an anticipated refund earlier, in the form of...

There are thousands of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across the country and more than 250 in Texas. Located at libraries, community colleges, churches and community-based organizations, these sites pop up during tax season in areas accessible to low- and moderate-income (LMI) workers.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) encourages work and reduces poverty by rewarding low- and moderate-income working families at tax time. Low-wage workers may receive the EITC even though they owe no tax or are not required to file. When the EITC amount exceeds their tax liability, the...