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Community Corner

2014 Tax Season Changes Cause Confusion for Majority of Americans

Tax season officially begins Friday. But did you know that’s 10 days later than normal? Due to the government shutdown last year, a majority of Americans are confused about filing dates and timing implications, according to a recent Cricket Wireless national survey*. 

65% of Americans Were Unaware the Start Date for Filing Taxes Was Delayed.

The start of the 2014 tax season has been delayed to January 31, but the April 15 filing deadline remains the same. Many Americans have misconceptions as to what the delay means for them. 

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Cricket Wireless dug deeper to find out more about Americans’ tax season perceptions. Here is what they discovered:

  • The Majority of Americans Don’t Know Tax Season is Delayed: 65% of Americans are unaware the start date for filing taxes is delayed.
  • Tax Delay Causes Americans to Consider Changing How They File: 13% of Americans indicate they will change the way they file their taxes as a result of the delayed start date, while another 18% were unsure how they will file as a result.
  • Nearly 50% of Americans Expect to Receive Tax Returns Later: 48% of Americans feel the delay will cause them to receive their tax return later than usual.
  • Majority of Americans Unclear on Filing Deadline: 26% of Americans believe the deadline for filing taxes will also be pushed back/delayed to compensate for the late start, while 37% weren't sure either way on what the delay meant for the deadline.

*According to a survey conducted by Sentient Decision Science in January 2014 on behalf of Cricket Wireless (1,200 consumers surveyed; overall margin of error +/- 2.8%)

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