Source: Jeff Reeves, USA Today

You have a stack of tax paperwork, but lack the time or knowledge to figure things out. There's a tax preparation joint nearby offering to do the work for you and simply deduct the cost of the preparation service (plus a fee) from your anticipated return.

The plan sounds logical if you're a cash-strapped consumer. But the reality is that steep fees associated with tapping your tax refund early can take a big bite out of your wallet.

Read Full Article: Need your tax refund? Accessing early is costly