Iowans are being urged to think twice about getting one of those tax-refund anticipation loans — as they often carry hefty fees. Renee Mulvey, spokeswoman for the Iowa Department of Revenue, says patience can pay off. Mulvey says a better option for people is to electronically file their state and federal tax returns and they can do so starting Friday. If they choose direct deposit, she says the money will be in their bank accounts in just days, not weeks.

Mulvey says the sales pitches for the refund anticipation loans sound alluring, but it may not be the best avenue. If people can’t e-file, Mulvey says to paper file your return as early as possible, adding, the earlier you file in the season, the faster you get your refund. She says one-point-nine million Iowans are expected to file one-point-four million returns this year and a majority will be e-filing.

Mulvey says 63 to 64-percent of Iowans will be e-filing this year as more than 65-percent typically will get a refund. “It’s your money, you might as well get it as fast as you can and electronic filing with direct deposit is the best choice.” For more information, surf to the Iowa Department of Revenue website: “www.state.ia.us/tax”.