Whether you breeze through tax time or dread the extra admin, receiving a tax refund makes the effort worthwhile. For many of us, getting a financial boost will be even more welcome this year, and you might be looking around for the best ways to use it.

These simple actions can help you figure out how to make a plan for your tax return. And if you’re looking for inspiration for how to spend it, we suggest some ideas to consider, too.

Plan to succeed

Never underestimate the power of a well-crafted plan – it’s easy to watch funds dwindle when you haven’t given them a clear direction. Recent research has revealed that 81% of us admit to splurging an average of $1,430 annually as a result of comfort spending¹  and that one in six Australians struggles with credit card debt².

Like any goal, your ambitions for this year’s tax return can be more easily realised if you have a concrete plan in place. In fact, studies have found that taking the time to write down your goals and plans can actually improve your chances of making them happen³.

Once you’ve lodged your tax return, you should have a decent idea about the amount of your refund. Use the time before you receive the money to give yourself a financial check-up and decide exactly where you plan to put your tax refund to avoid excitement spending once it lands in your account. This includes any money you’re hoping to use for a holiday or other splurge – work it into your financial plan to avoid spending beyond your means.

Anticipate your upcoming living expenses

When making your plan, you might want to consider your upcoming living expenses, particularly any large, irregular bills such as car insurance and registration costs, utility bills and general home maintenance.

Putting aside some of your tax return as a cushion for upcoming expenses or in an emergency fund helps you avoid reaching for other financial support – such as personal loans and credit cards – when the bills start to build up.

Reduce outstanding debt

If you have some debt to pay down, you’re not alone: the average Australian household debt-to-income ratio is around 190%, meaning we owe almost twice as much as we earn each year⁴. Putting your tax return towards any outstanding debts, including mortgage repayments, personal loans and any credit card debt may help reduce any interest charges. Read our guide to paying off debt for more ideas on where to start and how to tackle it.

Invest in growing your wealth

If you don’t need the money for immediate expenses, paying off debt (or the occasional luxury), you might be looking to make a long-term investment with the extra money. You might consider contributing some or all of your refund to boost your super, or add it to a term deposit or savings account.

The Australian Government’s new HomeBuilder grant means that home renovations are on many people’s minds. If you’re thinking about home improvements that will add value to a property, experts say that repainting rooms, updating the kitchen and adding a bathroom are among the most profitable upgrades and home improvements⁵.

Make tax-deductible purchases

If you’ve been holding off buying specific equipment for work, such as a new laptop or desk, now could be a good time to make the purchase. For purchases over $300, tax deductions are calculated on the depreciation of the ‘effective life’ of the item⁶. If you purchase them at the beginning of a financial year, the item has almost a full year to depreciate before you do your next tax return.

Donate to a charity

Although this has been one of the most difficult years in living memory, Australians have shown extraordinary generosity by donating to bushfire appeals and other charities. If you plan to support a charity or not-for-profit organisation, don’t forget that any donations over $2 to eligible organisations in Australia are tax deductible⁷. Just remember to keep a receipt for when you start preparing next year’s tax return.

For further tips on managing money, be sure to check out our Manage my money hub.

<sup>1. Mozo: Mozo’s Comfort Spending Report – 2019
2. ASIC: 18-201MR ASIC’s review of credit cards reveals more than one in six consumers struggling with credit card debt
3. Forbes: Neuroscience explains why you need to write down your goals if you actually want to achieve them
4. Reserve Bank of Australia: Property, Debt and Financial Stability
5. Domain: Which renovations offer the best return when you sell?
6. Australian Taxation Office: Decline in value of depreciating assets – individuals
7. Australian Taxation Office: Gifts and Donations</sup>