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Digging through tax records, deciphering difficult directions, and struggling with simple math totally sucks. What doesn't suck? The tax refund that results from this headache. Whether your tax refund is already in the bank or somewhere in the mail, here are some cool and cruelty-free things to do with that extra coin:

1. Take the tribe on a trip. Nothing says "Thanks for being such an awesome deduction" like taking your dependents (er, kids) on a little family vacation. Getting great rates on hotels, cruises, and travel packages is as easy as joining the PETA Member Advantage Program. Plan your animal-friendly vacation by clicking here.
2. Buy a house. A doghouse, that is. Think the housing market is bad? Try being an outdoor dog. Every year, PETA builds and delivers hundreds of sturdy doghouses filled with straw for dogs whose guardians won't let them inside. Help us help dogs by sponsoring one of these doghouses. And don't worry—we're all about fixed dogs, not fixed rates …
3. Purge and splurge. Are there products that blind bunnies in your cabinets—or skeletons in your closet? Make over your make-up bag with cruelty-free cosmetics and personal-care products. Lose the gruesome garb (leather, wool, and fur) and stock-up on stylin' synthetics instead. While you're at it, get rid of those stirrup pants and that tired "U Can't Touch This" T-shirt. They may not be cruel to animals, but they are cruel to anyone who has to see you in them.
4. Plan a little R&R (romantic romp) at a B&B. Looking for something more stimulating to do with your refund or stimulus check? We've got you covered. From Victorian mansions to cozy cabins and oh-so-unique yurts (you haven't lived until you've loved in a yurt), you'll find your perfect getaway on our list of vegetarian-friendly bed and breakfasts.
5. Earn your wings (and a tax deduction for next year). Resist the urge to blow your money on a butterfly tramp stamp. Help real animals instead! Donate to PETA today.

Posted by Amy Elizabeth

PS If you didn't get a tax refund, don't worry—hugs (and copies of our "Vegetarian Starter Kit") are still free …

Every year on tax day, I do two things:

1. Drag out the process of filling in my 1040 by surfing the Internet looking for tax day deals.
2. End up fuming because the only things anyone ever offers are cheap burgers and free tacos, and my 1040 still sits on my desk waiting to be filled out.

This year, instead of searching for (non-existent) free or cheap vegan grub, I'm procrastinating by contacting my Congressional representatives and asking them to tax meat (instead of me). There's already an excise tax on things like gas, tobacco, and alcohol, so why not meat?

As the number one cause of climate change and a contributing factor to the high rates of obesity in America, animal products that hurt our health and our environment (not to mention animals) should be outlawed. That probably won't happen, but a tax on meat would at least help cover the health and environmental costs that result from raising and killing animals for food—and (hopefully) it would encourage companies to give away 35-cent veggie burgers and free vegan tacos next year on April 15.

Now, what to do about filling out that 1040 sooner?

Posted by Shawna Flavell