How Australians spend their tax refunds
Our infographic tells you the average tax refund and how people
say they spend it. We also explain some ways to make the most of
your refund.
View the accessible
text version of the infographic

How Australians spend their tax
refunds (accessible text version)
- 84% - Taxpayers lodge returns on time1
- $2,574 - Average tax refund2
- 33% - People do their own tax1
What MoneySmart users say they did with their tax
refund3
- 29% - Paid bills
- 21% - Saved it
- 16% - Didn't get a refund
- 13% - Loans or credit card payments
- 9% - Home loan payments
- 5% - Holiday
- 5% - Other things (including engagement ring, education, car
rego/tyres, party)
- 2% - Household appliances
Make the most of your tax refund: Work out where you can make a
difference
Reduce debt stress
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Mortgage
- Outstanding bills or fines
Stash it away
- Emergencies or unexpected costs
- Super
- Home deposit
Reward yourself
- Take a break
- Home improvements
- Pamper yourself just a little
Check out our top tips for tax
refunds.
Sources
- Australian
Taxation Office Annual Report 2016-17
-
data.gov.au, Taxation Statistics 2015-16
- MoneySmart poll, August 2015 (n-2124)
Related links
Last updated: 21 Jun 2018