What to do with your tax refund

At some point over the next few weeks, Canadians across the country will receive their tax refund from the government.

It’s always tempting to spend that money, but there may be better things to do with it than make a big online purchase. Here are a few ideas for how to put that refund to good use. 

Pay off debt

At the end of 2019, Canadians had a whopping $2.3 trillion in household debt. If you have any outstanding balances, and especially on high-interest credit cards, which often charge 20% or more in annual interest, use the money to pay down that debt. Depending on how much you owe, those monthly interest charges can be significant, so getting that down to nothing is important for your long-term financial health.

Create an emergency fund  

It’s always a good idea to have an emergency fund, in case you lose a job or need to unexpectedly repair a roof, or replace a car. Most people, however, don’t have emergency savings. Fortunately, it’s never too late to start one, and your tax refund could be what you need to get it going. Consider putting that money in a high-interest savings account, where you can earn a small rate of return while keeping those dollars liquid.

Reduce your mortgage

If you can’t stand carrying mortgage debt, or think you can get a better return by paying down a mortgage than in the stock market, then consider using that refund to reduce the outstanding balance on your home. Any additional payments go directly to paying down your principal, so that refund could make a big dent in what you ultimately owe. While you should check your mortgage rules, typically, you can make a 10% to 20% prepayment based on the amount owing, without incurring any extra fees.

Top up your child’s RESP

Canadians with families generally under-contribute to their Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), with just 52.7% of eligible children getting the money they were entitled to from the government in 2018. For every eligible contribution made, the government gives you an additional 20% (up to $500 per year per child, and up to $7,200 per child over the lifetime of the RESP). Fortunately, you can make up for lost time. A $5,000 investment will allow you to qualify for the maximum current year’s CESG grant and for one missed year. Even if you save annually, you could use this year’s tax refund to fund your RESP instead of using money from elsewhere.

Add to your RRSP and TFSA

One of the more popular uses of the tax refund is reinvestment in an RRSP or a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). Putting that lump sum into a registered account, where it can grow on either a tax-deferred or tax-free basis depending on the account, is an easy way to add some additional funds to your investments. Contributing that money to your RRSP will also help you offset some of the current year’s taxable income.

Donate to charity

If you’re feeling generous, or if you already regularly donate to charity, consider gifting the refund to an organization. That non-profit will get a lump sum of money and you’ll get a tax receipt, which you can then use to reduce your overall tax hit next year. Donate wisely, and that receipt could help you receive another sizable refund.

Spend a bit

If you really do have your eye on a big-ticket item, then go ahead and spend some of your refund on that purchase. If you can at least save some of it—maybe put half in an RRSP and spend the other half—you’ll be better off than if you spent it all.

If you are entitled to a refund, think carefully now about what you want to do with those funds, so you can make those dollars work for you as soon as they arrive.

Mawer Investment Management Ltd. provides this publication for informational purposes only and it is not and should not be construed as professional advice.  The information contained in this publication is based on material believed to be reliable at the time of publication and Mawer Investment Management Ltd. cannot guarantee that the information is accurate or complete. Individuals should contact their account representative for professional advice regarding their personal circumstances and/or financial position. The comments included in this publication are not intended to be a definitive analysis of tax applicability or trust and estates law. The comments are general in nature and professional advice regarding an individual’s particular tax position should be obtained in respect of any person’s specific circumstances.

Disclaimers:

This communication is an overview only and it does not constitute financial, business, legal, tax, investment, or other professional advice or services. It is not intended to be a complete statement of the law or an opinion on any matter. If you (or any of your family members) are a U.S. citizen, hold a U.S. green card, or are otherwise considered a U.S. resident for U.S income/estate tax purposes, the Canadian and/or U.S. tax implications could be substantially different from those outlined herein. No one should act upon the information in this communication as an alternative to legal, financial or tax advice from a qualified professional. No member of Mawer Investment Management Ltd. is liable for any errors or omissions in the content or transmission of this email or accepts any responsibility or liability for loss or damage arising from the receipt or use of this information.

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