(March 20, 2014) RICHMOND, Va. — According to a new survey released by CarMax, one in four American adults say they plan to save (26 percent) or pay back debt (25 percent) with their tax refund this year. Among those expecting a refund, one in six (17 percent) are likely to use the money to shop for a car.

The survey explores the tax filing habits of Americans and how they plan to spend their refund. Almost three in 10 people (29 percent) are not expecting a refund this year.

The online survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of CarMax, reveals that among those who are expecting a refund, those under the age of 35 (29 percent), parents (26 percent) and residents of the South (22 percent) are particularly likely to put their tax refund toward the purchase of a car this year. When it comes to putting their reimbursement toward a large purchase like a home or car, parents are twice as likely (23 percent) to say they have done so than are adults without children in their household (11 percent).

“Historically, tax refund season has been a very busy time for CarMax,” says Cliff Wood, executive vice president of stores at CarMax. “Buying a car any time of the year is a big decision, and we work to make the process fun and hassle-free so customers can focus on what matters most: finding the perfect car for them.”

Midwest is Best at Filing Before Deadline

Midwesterners are most likely to say that they file their tax return in advance of the deadline (89 percent), followed by people living in the West (83 percent) and the Northeast (81 percent). In the South, 14 percent say that they file on April 15 or ask for an extension. Though many have plans for how to use their refund, few spend it before they actually have it in hand. Less than one in 10 (7 percent) say they have ever spent their tax refund before receiving it, compared to eight in 10 (84 percent) who have not.

Men More Likely to Ask for Extension

Men (7 percent) are slightly more likely than women (4 percent) to characterize their tax filing style as “needing an extension.” Unmarried adults are twice as likely (7 percent) to describe themselves as “needing an extension” compared to married adults (3 percent). Overall, 85 percent of American adults file taxes on time, submitting either in February (45 percent) or March (40 percent).

Spending Habits Remain the Same Year Over Year

Plans for spending this year’s tax refund are similar to how respondents say they have used their refund in the past. Roughly four in 10 have paid debt (44 percent), saved it (40 percent) or used it on everyday expenses, such as groceries, bills or gas (38 percent). One in five say they have used it for travel (23 percent) or home improvements (21 percent), while one in seven (14 percent) have spent their tax refund on something larger, such as a car or a house.