Tax season is a time when many of us take a close look at our personal finances. With the April deadlines in focus, conversations naturally turn toward household budgets, the cost of living, and what to do with a potential return. Are people prioritizing their savings, catching up on everyday bills, or finally treating themselves to a well-deserved break?
A recent look into our Questions of the Day reveals exciting trends in how Ipsos iSay members and website visitors across North America are handling the 2026 tax season. As a trusted leader in market research, we love seeing how our community navigates financial planning during this busy time of year. Learn more about their answers here!
Key Insights at a Glance
- Early Birds: A highly impressive 62.1% of Canadian respondents had already filed their taxes and were waiting for their refund by mid-April.
- Everyday Priorities: For 39.3% of respondents, covering monthly bills and inflation costs is the primary destination for their refund.
- Local Joys: If treating themselves with a small slice of their refund, the top choice for Canadian respondents (37.4%) is a nice dinner out or a local experience.
Canada: Financial Planning and Local Experiences
The results from Canadian respondents show a strong trend toward early preparation and practical budgeting. "Already filed and waiting for my refund!" is the status for 62.1% of those polled by mid-April. When asked about their plans for the money, 39.3% are prioritizing "Covering monthly bills and inflation costs." Furthermore, 9.7% plan to use their refund to max out their RRSP or TFSA contributions, and 5.7% are putting it toward the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
But there is still room for a treat! If a small portion of the refund is used for a "gift to yourself," 37.4% of Canadian respondents would choose "A nice dinner out or a local experience," while 22.6% would pick up new gear for a favorite hobby. Interestingly, 19% mentioned they are saving it to combine with their Ipsos iSay reward points for a bigger prize.
The United States in Comparison
Ipsos iSay members and visitors in the US are heavily focused on long-term savings: 35.6% state they are sending the money "Straight to the savings account." When asked if their spending plan changed compared to last year, 42.7% are being even more cautious with their savings. However, when it comes to using a small slice of their tax refund for a personal gift, the most popular choice is "A weekend getaway or travel fund," selected by 41.3% of US respondents.
A Cross-Border Perspective: Savings vs. Immediate Costs
When looking at the data side-by-side, an interesting contrast emerges between our North American poll respondents. While both groups are highly financially conscious, their immediate priorities differ. Canadian respondents are leaning slightly more toward managing immediate day-to-day financial pressures, prioritizing monthly bills and the rising costs of living. In contrast, US respondents are heavily focused on bolstering their long-term financial security by depositing their refunds straight into savings.
This difference also extends to how they prefer to reward themselves: while Canadians prefer closer-to-home joys, opting for local experiences and dining out, Americans are dreaming of packing their bags for weekend getaways.
Balancing the Budget During Stressful Times
Knowing that the economy is showing resilience compared to global peers offers some comfort, but it does not change the immediate reality of balancing a household budget during tax season. In a climate where people are keeping a close eye on their finances, maximizing resources becomes a priority. Many individuals look for smarter ways to save or temporarily cut back on non-essential expenses.
However, completely eliminating the small luxuries that bring joy—like a morning coffee shop visit or a new book—can make a financially stressful time feel even more burdensome. Finding ways to maintain those small daily treats without impacting your bottom line is surely a welcome relief.
Make Your Voice Heard: Join Ipsos iSay
In times of economic shift, making sure your opinions are heard is more important than ever. The Ipsos iSay community offers you exactly that opportunity: to become part of a global community where your voice makes a real difference. This is about more than just data—it is about actively shaping tomorrow. As a member of our community, you will share your valuable insights on a wide variety of topics through online surveys, product testing, and activity journals.
We value the contribution of every single member. As a token of appreciation for your time and honest opinions, you earn points for participating. These points can be redeemed in our Reward Catalog for great rewards, such as digital gift cards from top retailers or direct deposits to your PayPal account. This way, you not only make a vital contribution to market research but can also treat yourself to those small everyday joys. Log in today to get started!
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