Every year, millions of taxpayers do their taxes and cross their fingers for a refund. Not owing any taxes is a wonderful thing, but getting money back, well that's even better!
Then the question becomes, what should you do with your tax return? You could add it to your savings, finally go on that vacation or splurge on something you've been wanting to get. Or you could use your tax return for home improvements.
Though not quite as fun as spending the weekend in a fancy hotel or buying something you've had your eye on for a while, even the smaller home upgrades can increase your home's value and make your home better to live in. But with so many options for upgrades, what do you choose to spend your tax refund on? To help you out, here are some great tax refund ideas according to how much money you're getting back.
$100 or Less Back
Rent a steam cleaner or just replace your rug. A steam cleaner or carpet cleaner can make your house look new again! Even better, steam cleaners can help kill dust mites and germs, sanitize and deodorize. If you'd rather start anew, use your tax refund to purchase a new rug. Consider replacing your carpet, or splurging for a nice area rug.
Replace your cabinet hardware. Give your kitchen an instant upgrade by replacing the handles and knobs. While you're at it, you can repaint the cabinets to give your kitchen even more of an instant face lift.
About $500 Back
Repaint your home. Forget repainting just your cabinet doors, with an even bigger refund, you can refresh the paint on your entire home. This is an upgrade that you can easily do yourself with the right equipment and amount of time.
Hire a professional house cleaner or organizer. Tax time falls right in line with spring cleaning time. Use your tax return to hire a professional and give your entire home a good cleaning. With the right help, you can have your entire home cleaned and organized in a day. Then the upkeep is up to you.
About $1,000 Back
Replace larger appliances. A cool $1,000 can get you a new refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer (maybe even a dryer too) or water heater. Look for older, inefficient appliances in your home and consider using your refund to do some replacing.
Retile your floor. Floor tile can get dingy after a while, especially with heavy foot traffic. Use your refund to retile your home, opting for easy to clean material and patterns.
About $3,000 Back
Replace your kitchen counters. A bigger refund can mean a bigger upgrade. If you've wanted to redo your kitchen counter tops for some time, now is a perfect time to do it. Look at material like quartz or granite that will last you a very long time.
Add a deck to your home. The cost of decks will vary according to material and size, but you may be able to add a small deck to your home for $3,000 or less. Or if you have an existing one, you can upgrade it. Not only will an outdoor add a great place to hang out, have fun and enjoy the outdoors, it will add a ton of value to your home.
About $5,000 Back
Add a privacy fence. With this hefty amount, you can afford to add some outdoor privacy and security. You may need to get your home surveyed before installing the fence to ensure you’re not encroaching onto your neighbor’s property.
Build an outdoor kitchen. Ever dream of enhancing your barbeque area? With more money back, you can afford to build that full outdoor kitchen.
Tax time can be a stressful time, but it’s an amazing feeling when you get some money back for your hard work! Consider using your tax refund to upgrade your home. No matter the amount, there are always valuable upgrades that can be done.