<prompt> Human: Ive been seeing a lot of posts and memes about using tax returns to go out and buy things or splurge on some expense. My question is: why? Am I correct in understanding that proper budgeting and financial common sense would dictate that a tax return isnt really anything extra money in your pocket? Why would someone act like they just got free money from the IRS... it makes no sense to me.  <response>: Why do people look forward to tax return season? Some Taxpayers have poor saving skills, so this Christmas in February can take care of expenses they arent otherwise able to plan for. Some Taxpayers receive refundable credits as part or all of their refunds. The Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credits are a bit of legal social engineering, primarily designed to help pump additional cash to lower income human beings with families. Some Taxpayers arent taught this stuff in school or at home. The notions of teaching proper budgeting and financial common sense are no longer a priority, if they ever were. 