New Tax Season Survey Reveals the Truth About How Consumers File, From Tax Fears to Outrageous Refund Splurges

Data from TaxAct shows nearly half of consumers (46%) file from now until the deadline, but fear making mistakes and worry about tax return outcomes

DALLAS, April 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TaxAct^®, a leading provider of tax preparation software for individuals and businesses, today released the results of a new survey exploring consumer tax season behaviors and filing habits. Data from this third-party survey of 1,000 adults across the United States uncovered common fears and uncertainty surrounding the filing process for many filers.

Filers Fear Inaccuracies, Experiencing Uncertainty
Notably, the survey found that many filers are concerned about making mistakes during the filing process. In fact, more than one-quarter of respondents (28%) noted that filing their taxes incorrectly is a top concern during tax season, and another 14% are concerned about not understanding the tax filing process or requirements. Some respondents even admitted to making mistakes when reporting income. For example, a handful of respondents didn't file income earned from their side gig (14%), and others didn't report winnings from gambling or the lottery (9%).

In addition to these fears, the survey shows that many filers are dealing with uncertainty as they don't know what to expect when filing. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of respondents say that not knowing if they owe taxes or will get a refund is a big concern during tax season. There is also uncertainty around how much they will owe, with one-quarter (25%) of respondents worried about paying more taxes than expected.

Concerns About Maximizing Refunds
For many filers, tax refunds are top of mind. One of the top concerns among respondents is not receiving their maximum refund, with more than one in four (28%) identifying this as their biggest concern during tax season. Some respondents also shared that they have taken some steps to increase their refunds or lower their owed costs. The top three strategies cited include making charitable donations (14%), filing jointly or separately for the best tax outcome (if legally married) (13%) and increasing contributions to retirement accounts (12%).

Filers also have an eye on tax deductions to potentially boost their refund. While most respondents took the standard deduction on their return, some respondents (10%) shared that they have claimed unusual business expenses to lower their taxable income. For example, some filers admitted to claiming their dog as a home security system, which would not be considered an eligible deduction by the IRS. It's also important that filers understand what deductions they are eligible for to avoid mistakes. Some didn't know they could deduct student loan interest, so they accidentally left it out (10%), while one respondent claimed to have mistakenly claimed their pet hamster as a dependent.

"With filers worried about the accuracy of their returns and whether they will receive their maximum refund, they may look to tools that promise an optimal return," said Bastien Martini, Chief Product & Marketing Officer, TaxAct. "TaxAct's guarantees, including our Maximum Refund Guarantee and $100k Accuracy Guarantee, offer filers the peace of mind they are getting every dollar they deserve. Filers can rest assured that they won't get a bigger refund with any other tax filing software, and they can count on TaxAct to be 100% correct, backed by $100,000."

When it comes to spending their refund, about two-thirds of respondents (67%) who receive a refund use it for more conventional purchases such as paying bills (28%), saving for the future (23%) or paying off loans or debt (16%). Interestingly, several respondents noted opting for more splurge-worthy purchases, such as a raincoat for their cat or a giant inflatable unicorn.

Combatting Concerns with DIY Tax Solutions
Last year, more than 65 million used DIY tax software to e-file their return, according to the IRS. Additionally, the number of U.S. taxpayers preparing their tax returns via DIY solutions is on the rise, increasing by 1.6% from 2023 to 2024.

The popularity of DIY tax solutions is also clear in TaxAct's survey, which found that most surveyed (64%) are turning to DIY tax solutions. However, only about one-in-four respondents (28%) trust themselves to do their own taxes, making adequate support options crucial.

To help filers navigate the tax filing process, TaxAct provides access to tax experts through its expanded suite of Xpert Assist live help options with customizable support to fit every level of return complexity. Whether filers have a quick question along the way or want a credentialed expert to check their return before hitting submit, they can connect with one of TaxAct's 100% U.S.-based, credentialed tax experts.

Martini continued: "We know that completing taxes can be complicated and confusing. That's why we're dedicated to making prep and filing simple, streamlined and straightforward for every tax filer, with support available along the way – no matter how complex their return. Using TaxAct means filers are not alone on their tax journey."

Survey Methodology

This survey was fielded online between February 4-8, 2025, and reached a total of n=1,000 completions. Those surveyed were adults across the United States, aged 18-64.

About TaxAct

TaxAct is a comprehensive DIY tax software provider dedicated to making tax filing easy, accurate, and stress-free. Offering user-friendly technology, step-by-step guidance, and expert support, TaxAct empowers individuals, families, and businesses to file confidently across all 50 states. To learn more about TaxAct, visit www.taxact.com or connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

TaxAct offers a range of guarantees to customers. They are the Maximum Refund Guarantee, $100k Accuracy Guarantee, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, and Money-Back Guarantee. Read more about our guarantees here. We guarantee you'll get your maximum tax refund if you use one of TaxAct's individual 1040 products to e-file your return. If you are a registered user of TaxAct's individual 1040 products and you receive a larger refund amount or pay a smaller tax due amount on your federal and/or state tax return using an online tax preparation software other than the TaxAct software, then we will refund to you the applicable federal and/or state purchase price paid by you for the TaxAct software. All other fees are excluded. Read more about our Maximum Refund Guarantee

We guarantee our software is 100% accurate and will calculate your maximum refund under applicable law. If an error in our software results in you ultimately receiving a smaller refund or larger tax liability than you receive using the same data with another tax preparation product, we will: (1) refund the applicable software fees you paid us, (2) pay you the difference in the tax refund or liability, (3) cover any penalties and interest levied against you and (4) any reasonably documented legal and audit costs you incur. In no event will our total, cumulative obligation under (1)-(4) above to any customer under this guarantee exceed $100,000. This guarantee only extends to returns that are e-filed by taxpayers preparing their own tax returns using our Consumer 1040 products. Read more about our $100k Accuracy Guarantee Tax Experts are available with TaxAct® Xpert Assist®, which encompasses a suite of services designed to provide varying levels of support and assistance for your tax filing needs. These services are available at an additional cost and are subject to limitations and restrictions. Service availability, features, and pricing may vary and are subject to change without notice. For more details, visit the Xpert Assist Terms and Conditions. TaxAct requests its users to go through the terms of service and license agreement to get an understanding of our services. Sign up for TaxAct today!

Media Contact:
Andrea Courtney
Taxact@finnpartners.com 
415-249-6760

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SOURCE TaxAct