Taxing times: 1 in 3 are desperate for a cash injection
Millions of cash poor Aussies are desperate for their tax refund, according to new research by Finder.
Â
A Finder survey of 1,015 respondents revealed 47% – equivalent to over 10 million people – are expecting a tax refund this year.
Â
Of those expecting a refund, 7% – equivalent to more than 700,000 people – admit the extra cash is critical to their financial wellbeing.
Â
Almost 1 in 4 (24%) said a tax refund is very important to their financial health, while 41% say it's somewhat important to their finances.
Â
The average Australian is anticipating a refund of $1,519 – a whopping $15.3 billion nationwide.
Â
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said Aussies are eagerly awaiting their tax refunds, set to arrive from July 1.
Â
"Many households living month-to-month will be particularly keen to access these funds.
Â
"For those struggling with the rising cost of living, a cash boost will offer some necessary financial reprieve."
Â
Women are feeling the pinch the most with 39% admitting their tax refund is critical or very important, compared to 24% of men.
Â
Cooke encouraged taxpayers to use their refunds wisely.
Â
"Consider using the money to pay down debt, boost your savings, or contribute to superannuation for long-term benefits.
Â
"If you don't have 3-6 months of essential expenses saved, using your refund to build or top up this fund can provide a significant sense of security for the year to come."
Â
Cooke reminded taxpayers to be wary of scammers.
Â
"Tax time attracts opportunistic scammers – be vigilant about suspicious emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from the ATO or other financial institutions. Never click on any links received by email or text.
Â
"Always verify the legitimacy of any communication before sharing personal or financial information."
Â
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) are expecting a tax bill instead of a refund this year – putting extra pressure on some already squeezed budgets.
Do you expect a tax refund or a tax bill at the end of this financial year?
| Tax bill (money to pay ATO) | 18% |
| Tax return (money back) | 47.00% |
| I don't pay any income tax | 35% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,015 respondents, May 2025 |  |
How important is this year's tax refund to your financial health?
| Not important | 28% |
| Somewhat important | 41% |
| Very important | 24% |
| Critical | 7% |
| Source: Finder survey of 201 respondents expecting a tax refund, May 2024 | |
Â
Sources
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,015 respondents from May 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Ask a question