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 Question 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
- Savings First: Over a third (35.6%) of US Ipsos iSay members and visitors plan to put their tax refund directly into a savings account.
- Increased Caution: Compared to last year, 42.7% of our poll state they are being even more cautious with their savings this year.
- Travel Dreams: If treating themselves with a small slice of their refund, the top choice for poll (41.3%) is a weekend getaway or travel fund.
United States: Cautious Saving Tax Refunds and the Desire for a Getaway
The results from our Question of the Day show a strong trend toward financial security and careful planning. Sending the money "Straight to the savings account" is the primary destination for 35.6% of those polled. Additionally, when asked if their spending plan changed compared to last year, a significant 42.7% answered: "No, I’m being even more cautious with savings." Furthermore, 24.6% noted they are using their refund to cover everyday essentials like groceries and gas.
But there is still room for a treat! If a small portion of the refund is used for a "gift to yourself," 41.3% of our poll would choose "A weekend getaway or travel fund," while 25.4% would opt for a new tech gadget or home upgrade. Interestingly, 17% mentioned they are adding their refund to their survey rewards goal to save up for something big.
Canada and Tax Refunds in Comparison
Members and website visitors of Ipsos iSay in Canada are also highly prepared: 62.1% stated they had "Already filed and are waiting for my refund!" by mid-April. When asked about their plans for the money, 39.3% are prioritizing "Covering monthly bills and inflation costs." However, when it comes to using a small slice of their tax refund for a personal gift, the most popular choice is "A nice dinner out or a local experience," selected by 37.4% of Canadian 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 voters. While both groups are highly financially conscious, their immediate priorities differ. US respondents are heavily focused on bolstering their long-term financial security by depositing their refunds straight into savings. In contrast, Canadian respondents are leaning slightly more toward managing immediate day-to-day financial pressures, prioritizing monthly bills and the rising costs of living.
This difference also extends to how they prefer to reward themselves: while our US website visitors and members are dreaming of packing their bags for weekend getaways, the Canadians in this poll prefer closer-to-home joys, opting for local experiences and dining out.
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*These results represent Ipsos iSay web visitors in Canada and the US, conducted April 10 - 13, 2026, and may not reflect the views of the general population.
