Friday, April 3, 2026

US Taxpayers Say Tax Refunds are a Financial Necessity

Mon, 17 March 2025  |  economy tax 

Trustpilot, a global independent review platform, has released its 2025 tax season survey data, revealing the financial strain shaping taxpayer behavior. With 79% of Americans reporting inflation and the rising cost of living as their top concerns, 51% of Americans see their tax refund as a financial necessity rather than a windfall. Generational differences highlight that younger taxpayers feel the greatest strain, with half of those aged 18-34 relying on refunds for essentials like rent, groceries, and bills. Filing habits also reflect a generational divide—while younger taxpayers file earlier and favor online tax software, older Americans are more likely to wait and hire a professional. US taxpayers must file their income tax returns by April 15, 2025.

The survey reveals that more taxpayers than in 2024 are relying on a tax refund for financial relief, with 47% of taxpayers saying their tax outcome will impact their ability to afford essentials, up from 35% in 2024. Financial hardship is also causing more taxpayers to delay filing for fear of owing money to the government—28% in 2025, compared to 12% in 2024. There are also changes in how taxpayers are seeking guidance, with 43% relying on reviews, online forums, and news articles, a sharp increase from 25% in 2024. Filing methods have remained steady, with 58% planning to use tax software and 27% opting for a professional, up slightly from 24% last year.

Trust in AI for tax filing has declined, with skepticism rising from 50% in 2024 to 65% in 2025. Younger taxpayers (18-34) are the most open to AI, with 35% willing to use it for tax preparation, but trust declines with age—60% of those 35-54 and 80% of those 55+ say they do not trust AI at all.