This Is the No. 1 Use of Tax Refunds Among Americans, What Is And How – SEE HERE!

DEBARYLIFE – It’s reasonable to assume that the majority of Americans detest tax season. However, the majority of taxpayers’ refunds can make the laborious tax filing procedure worthwhile. Naturally, that begs the question of what to do with your return of taxes.

Not quite sure yet? As the deadline for filing is April 15, you still have some time to complete the process. Here is how the majority of Americans intend to spend their tax refund in 2024, though, if you need any inspiration.

The Majority of Americans Plan to Save Their Refund

In 2024, GOBankingRates conducted a survey and found that the majority of Americans intended to save their tax refund. More othan25% of participants indicated that they intended to use their refund for savings.

Debt repayment was the next most popular option.

In our study, 15% of participants said they would use their refund to settle debt, and 13% said they would use it to cover expenses.

Few Americans Will Use Their Refunds for Superfluous Purchases – Merely 2% of Americans indicated in the GOBankingRates study that they intended to use their refund for a trip.

Less than 1% indicated they would donate it, 4% said they would invest it, and about 4% said they would use it for a big buy to “treat themselves.”

What Time Do Americans Think They Will File Their Taxes?

The majority of taxpayers do not intend to file their taxes at the last minute. According to the survey, 14% of participants intended to file sometime within the week before the deadline, and 74% of respondents anticipated filing their returns well in advance of April 15. Just 5% of people want to request an extension.

Most Taxpayers Anticipate Approximately the Same Tax Refund as They Did Last Year
Based on the results of the study, 52% of participants anticipate receiving a tax return that is “about the same” as they did the previous year, while 18% anticipate receiving a larger check.

Furthermore, thirty percent anticipate receiving less in 2023 than they did in 2023.

Thus far this year, the average tax refund has decreased.

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The IRS reports that as of the week ending on February 4, the average tax refund was $1,395. Compared to this time last year, when the average return amount was $1,963, it is a 29% decrease.

The IRS has received 15.31 million tax returns so far, which is 19% fewer than the 18.95 million returns it received at this time last year. As of 2024, 13.92 million returns have been processed.

How to Use Your Tax Refund Most Effectively

You have a lot of alternatives if you’re asking, “What should I do with my tax refund?” First things first: your tax refund isn’t free money. It’s money that you could have received with every paycheck, but you allow the government to keep it for the entire year instead. Thus, when you get your money back, make the most of it.

These are some clever strategies to make better use of your tax refund to strengthen your financial position.

1. Pay Off Debt

Consider using the money you get to help pay off your debt and join the 15% of Americans who intend to use their refund to address debt. To lower the overall amount you pay, prioritize paying off high-interest debt first, such as credit card debt.

2. Establish a Fund for Emergencies

According to a different GOBankingRates survey, 36% of Americans had savings of $100 or less. That probably indicates that they don’t have enough money to deal with emergencies. You can create an emergency fund by putting your refund in a savings account, which can help you avoid using credit cards for unforeseen costs.

Considering how unpredictable the job market is this year, this might be a particularly wise decision.

3. Make an Investment in Yourself

By moving up the professional ladder and earning more money, you might be able to end the pattern of living paycheck to paycheck.

Think about utilizing your refund to start your own business, attend conferences, join networking groups, engage a career coach, or even take online classes to advance your abilities.

4. Ways To Monitor Your Tax Refund

After your taxes are filed and safely in the hands of the IRS, how can you follow the progress of your refund towards you?

Beginning 24 hours after filing, e-filers can use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” feature to track their returns and any subsequent refunds.

Even if you mail your tax return to the IRS, you can still utilize the tool; however, it may take up to six weeks for the IRS to receive it and upload it to the tool.

How Do I Calculate My Tax Return?

Perhaps you intend to make a significant purchase. Perhaps you have a few payments overdue. Or perhaps all you’re interested in knowing is how large that tax refund could be.

To acquire a rough estimate, you can utilize one of the many excellent online estimators available.

The tax return calculator offered by TurboTax is a user-friendly instrument that is always current with the most recent developments in tax law.

There is a calculator available at H&R Block as well. All you have to do is provide a few basic details about your income and expenses, and you can see an estimate of what you may owe or receive as a refund.

Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Wish for a Large Tax Refund

A large tax refund may seem like a windfall, but there are a few reasons why it might not be as beneficial as it seems. It implies that you give the government annual access to your money at no interest.

It would be preferable if you received more money from each paycheck to invest or pay off debt itoincrease your savings.

Reevaluating their W-4 may be necessary for taxpayers who consistently receive sizable refunds itomodify their tax withholding and retain a larger portion of each paycheck.