Desperate times call for desperate measures. When it comes to tax season this often means getting your refund sooner than later by taking advantage of one of numerous "fast, no hassle" refund offers available. But before you do, consider the tax-preparation fees, electronic filing fees and refund loan fees that quickly cut into your refund total for the sake of a fast-cash solution.

Refund anticipation loans are short-term cash advances that provide cash against a customer's anticipated income tax refund. The Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary recently reported findings from a study on Earned Income Tax Credit conducted by the Brookings Institute's Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy. Research findings revealed that in many cities more than half of filers who qualify for the credit claim their refunds through high-cost loans - loans that offer annual percentage interest rates of anywhere from 60% to in excess of 700%.

This tax season when debating whether or not to get a refund-anticipation loan consider the following alternatives:

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers free federal return preparation and electronic filing through a number of partner companies. Simply log on to www.irs.gov and see if you qualify.
• To fast track your refund turn-around time allow the IRS to deposit directly into your bank account. Electronic filers who opt for this can expect their refund about 10 days after filing.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly is available to eligible low- or moderate-income taxpayers without computer access through local public libraries, churches and community centers. For more information call 1-800-829-1040.

Sources: IRS (www.irs.gov) and The Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com).