For most people, tax season can be a dreadful time. The new changes in the tax code and trying to make sure you have all of the essential items such as important documents and receipts can make the tax filing process very frustrating and time consuming. Most experts say that you can make the filing process much easier if you take the time to prepare instead of waiting until the very last minute. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The average tax refund that Canadians receive is approximately $1,400.

Many Canadians will use that money to go on a holiday or have a shopping spree; however, there are many other ways that you can put your tax refund to use. Your tax refund can help you get ahead with your personal finances.

Here are several, useful things you can do with your tax refund.

1. Invest it Why not put the money you just got back and invest it on your own future? Invest it into your mutual funds, or put it away into your retirement fund. Grow a nest egg that you can enjoy when you finally go into your well deserved retirement.

2. Pay Off Debts Owing money to creditors can bring a lot of unwanted stress and pressure. Use your tax refund to pay off debts and get your finances back in order. Even if the money isn’t enough to clear all your debts, the money will reduce the principal and bring you that much closer to being debt free.

3. University Fund It’s never too early to start saving for your children’s education. Put it away into an RESP. With the rising costs of tuition, this may be one of the smartest moves you’re doing to secure a bright future for them. In addition, it’s a valuable lesson for your kids to plan ahead. As a result, when they find out they have a nice fund waiting for them to complete their education; they can focus on what’s important, learning.

4. Home Improvement Have you been waiting for the right time to do that perfect renovation? Why not spend your return on improving your home? You can renovate your kitchen, change the bathroom, even change the overall theme of your house! This is a great way to breathe new life into your home, while increasing its value.

5. Save it. If all else fails, you can always first put it into a savings account, and worry about it later. At the very least, it will still earn some interest (even if it is at historical lows), and in the long run, compound interest will take its effect.

The number one reason why people file their taxes in the first place is so they can get their tax returns. Use the windfall to pay off some debt, save it for the future, or even dabble in some investing. This money is yours to spend as you will; however, using it wisely can help towards gaining greater financial stability.

Adriana Noton is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of financial topics including personal budgeting and debt consolidation. For more information about personal finance and credit help, ConsolidatedCredit.ca is a tremendous resource on the topic for Canadians.

categories: tax return,tax refund,tax,taxes,personal finance,money,debt,cash,RESP,investing,investment

If you’re a homeowner who pays income taxes in the United States you may know that there are a multitude of costs and expenses you can deduct from your taxable income to reduce your taxable income and save money each year. Sure, you can usually deduct the amount of interest you pay on your mortgage or home equity loans, but there are also a multitude of home expenses and upgrades you can also tax off your income taxes if you meet certain criteria.

The improvements you make to your home can be eligible for deductions or credits depending upon the size of the project, the reason for the home upgrade and the cost and time frame that was allotted to the remodeling or home improvement.

Lawn Care Tax Deduction – Yes, if you run a business out of your home and you meet clients then you may be able to deduct things like lawn care and landscaping costs as a business expense. You probably won’t be able to deduct the entire amount, but rather, you would have to deduct part of the cost in proportion to how much your business and home share the same space.

Tax Deduction for a Swimming Pool – If you require a swimming pool or spa for a medical condition then you may be able to deduct a portion of the cost from your taxes. You’ll want to document your medical history and pool costs in detail and you may need your doctor to write a letter stating your need.

Tax Credit for New Windows – If you’re planning to upgrade and replace your home’s old windows with new energy efficient ones, now’s the time to do it. There are now tax credits in place for the 30% of the cost of eligible windows, up to $1,500 for the next two years.

You will most likely have to itemize all your deductions on your income taxes to get the full benefit of these home improvements. There are lots of details and criteria for some of these deductions and you may want to speak to a qualified tax expert before embarking on a home improvement. A little advanced planning may save you a lot of money on your taxes.

If you’re planning on finishing some home improvements this year, you should really look into the possible tax savings that may be available!

These are just some of the many tax deductions for home remodeling projects that you may qualify for. There are actually lots of different home improvements you can use to lower your taxable income!

Having credit is one of the most important things in any economy. You must have credit to purchase things like a home or a car. An even smaller item like the television in your living room requires that you have credit.

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