The Wisconsin Credit Union League has launched a website designedto help consumers avoid high-cost loans tied to their federal taxrefunds.

The league noted that IRS rules have already limited theavailability of refund anticipation loans, which can chargehundreds of percent in interest, but in their place tax preparershave been offering refund anticipation checks or debit cards whichcan carry heavy fees.

The site advisesconsumers that no matter how they prepare their return, they canreceive their refund for free by opening a deposit account at acredit union, in places with as little as $5. The site also tellsconsumers where they can get free help preparing their return.