Tax refund delays change consumer spending plans
A survey from Driven Brands highlights how consumers are planning to spend given delays in tax returns.
When people receive their tax refunds has a big impact on how they choose to spend those dollars, according to new research from Driven Brands.
Sixty percent of those expecting a delay in when they will receive their refund — because of processing delays at the IRS — said it will affect how they spend their refund.
Here are a few of the key takeaways:
- More Americans are planning to use tax refunds to save, invest, pay down debt and cover monthly bills than are planning to splurge on travel or high-ticket items.
- Those who received their tax refunds on time are the most likely to put that money into savings or investments — nearly 40%.
- Among those who received delayed tax refunds, more than 35% are planning to use the funds to pay down debt.
Methodology: The Driven Brands research is based on a survey of more than 1,000 individuals, ages 18 to 64, who own/lease a vehicle for which they are the decision-maker or share in the decisions for vehicle repair and maintenance. The survey was conducted online the week of March 4, 2022.