Tax Returns

NRF has been conducting its annual Tax Returns Survey since 2007 to gauge consumer spending and saving behavior related to U.S. income tax returns.

Consumers using tax refunds to pay down debt

More Americans than ever planned to hold on to their tax refunds in 2018 rather than spending the money they get from the IRS. Of the 65 percent of taxpayers expecting a refund, 49 percent said they will put it into savings.

See survey data

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Getting a head start

By the end of January, nearly 30 percent of survey respondents had filed their taxes.

Historical highlights

2017: Consumers plan to save their tax refunds for later
2016: Consumers build confidence by saving tax refunds
2015: Americans planning to save, not splurge, with tax refunds
2014: Americans hoping to cushion their rainy day funds with tax returns

Results of the Tax Returns Survey are released each year in February.

More on consumer trends

November retail sales increase 5 percent over 2017, putting holiday spending on track to meet NRF forecast

November retail sales were up 0.7 percent from October and 5 percent year over year, on track with NRF's forecast.

Winter Holidays

NRF survey says more than 164 million consumers plan to shop over five-day Thanksgiving weekend

Black Friday remains the busiest day of the weekend, with 71 percent planning to shop that day.

Winter Holidays

5 things to know about discounts this holiday season

5 retail sales and promotions trends leading up to Thanksgiving weekend.

Winter Holidays

Consumers will spend 4.1 percent more than last year during winter holidays

Consumers will spend $1,007.24 during the 2018 holiday season.

Consumer Trends

NRF study says consumers shop at discount retailers regardless of age or income

89 percent of consumers shop at various discount retailers.

Consumer Trends

Monthly Economic Review: September 2018

Economic data looks solid again for the third quarter.