I do my own taxes every year, but this year I have a question. I refinanced my mortgage in the spring. Had a significant amount of equity and chose to “cash out” some of my equity to help pay off some outstanding debts (car, student loan, credit card balance) and kept some to keep in saving (so it’s reachable, if needed). I know the government tries to take a piece of everything, but this is MY money. It’s not “wages” — does that make a difference?