Tax Returns and Credit Scores. . .

[mystia97]

Hi! I've recently been discharged, 01/18/06, chapter 7. I've filed my taxes and am expecting my refund 02/17. Now, my lawyer said my refund would be mine but can anybody reassure me that the government will indeed deposit that refund in my account???

Also, I just pulled my credit report to check it, my score is 512. Is this a normal after bankruptcy score and would anybody be willing to share what kind of interest rate they've obtained for mortgages 1-2 years after they've gone through bankruptcy and foreclosure?

[Minnymouth]

Ok, if the Trustee did not designate for you to send him your income tax refund - then its yours......

Also regarding the credit score of 512 - this is not uncommon. It is usually low after bankruptcy and will take a period of time (good payments) to rebuild it.

1st things you need to do is get a copy of your credit report and dispute any items that are not reported correctly.

The best way to do this is check out Category 2 on the forum regarding rebuilding your credit.... it will help you thru the process....

The only way the govt can take your tax automatically is if you owe back taxes..... otherwise you control it.....

Check out category 2 and let us help you rebuild your credit score.... got questions, just ask.........

Congrads on the surviving bankruptcy............

[StaciMM]

Regarding the credit rebuilding, keep in mind you want to check your report for all 3 bureaus. Also, don't stress over scores too much right now-if you work on getting things cleaned up and establishing new, positive accounts, the score will come up in time!

[mystia97]

Okay, thanks guys. A little reassurance from somebody in similar situations was all I needed. I checked PACER this morning and it still hasn't been closed officially but I'm not going to worry because the lawyer did say the money would be mine and the trustee only asked if I expected to receive the same amount of my tax return this year. There was no indication that he would try to "steal" my refund check. Still, I'll be thrilled when this is all closed!

[Minnymouth]

Sit back, prop your feet up the HARD PART is over.....wait on closing.....
In the meantime, check out the Credit rebuilding section on the forum to help you fix that credit report, and what to do to help raise those scores.

[mystia97]

Woooo-hhhooooo!!

I only wish I would have found you guys sooner! Yesterday I found this site, this morning I logged on to PACER for the first time and confirmed my bankruptcy was discharged. Meanwhile, I was reading about everybody who's case wasn't closed having to turn over their refunds. Made me sweat a bit. I just checked PACER again and my case has been closed. Yes! Yes! Yes!

[baybreeze]

I was discharged in Aug '03 and had always heard through the grapevine that I may have my tax refund seized...so I asked my lawyer about it & he said it won't happen.

When tax filing time came around, I filed, put on the return to direct deposit my refund and it all came through. I never had any problem and was able to keep every penny.