Claim: “I’m going to estimate, 25 percent, give or take.” 

Speaker: Democrat Walter Dalton at gubernatorial debate Wednesday. 

Context: In the first televised debate, the candidates for governor were asked this question: “Can each of you tell me the approximate tax rate you paid last year?” 

The subject is ripe this election season because Republican Pat McCrory won’t release his personal tax returns amid questions about his job as a consultant at a law firm that lobbies state government and the controversy in the presidential race about Mitt Romney’s taxes.

The Democratic Governors Association has started its fall ad campaign in support of Walter Dalton for governor of North Carolina. Here’s a look at the facts

“Laundry”
Sponsor: The ad is sponsored by a group called N.C. Citizens for Progress but is financed by the Democratic Governors Association. It is airing in Triangle, the Triad, Asheville, Greenville and Wilmington.

Claim: “Pat McCrory. He just won’t come clean. Refusing to release his tax returns. Or explain why even though he is not a lawyer he is being paid by a powerful law firm that lobbies for big oil, insurance and the financial industry. But what is McCrory’s spin? McCrory: ‘I’m making a living right now.’ So Pat McCrory won’t come clean on his taxes or what special interests he is working for. Why should we trust him to be governor?”

About 44 percent of Americans plan to save their tax return money, up slightly from last year's 42 percent in what looks to be increased sensitivity to economic conditions, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation.

Only about 23 percent of Americans reported they plan to use the income boost on a splurge purchase like a television or a vacation.

Americans are looking to get their money back from Uncle Sam more quickly this year.

About 64 percent of taxpayers will have filed their taxes by the end of the month, the highest percentage since 2006, the survey said.

Only about 14 percent will wait until the last minute and file in April.