More Americans Are Concerned about the Privacy and Security of Their Information When Filing Tax Returns Online

News provided by

Mar 09, 2015, 08:00 ET

BETHESDA, Md., March 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A majority of Americans continue to be very or somewhat concerned about the privacy and safety of their personal and financial data when using iPads or tablets computers, tablets or smartphones to file their tax returns online. According to a new survey commissioned by Taxsoftware.com, 70% expressed concerns about the safety of their data when using desktop computers to file their state and federal tax forms; 68% are concerned when using their iPads or tablets, and 69% are concerned when using their smartphones.

All of the results are dramatically higher than when the survey was first conducted in 2012. That year 52% expressed concerns in using desktop computers, 42% when using iPads or tablets, and 54% when using smartphones.

"The rise in concern by taxpayers is to be expected, given the recent headlines about computer hacking and data theft," said Taxsoftware.com spokesperson Mickey Macedo. "In one respect, the IRS is actually encouraging the theft of private financial information by providing a free e-file service that allows criminals to repeatedly guess at taxpayer information. This allows hackers to steal tax refunds at no cost, and at little risk to themselves," he said.

"The IRS would do all taxpayers a great favor by eliminating its free e-file service, and thereby dramatically and immediately help reduce fraud," Macedo said.

The survey was commissioned by Taxsoftware.com, and conducted February 8-10, 2015 by Google Surveys with a margin of error of 2.5%. The survey consisted of a national sample of 6,500 of adults 18 years of age or older from an online panel. Percentages have been rounded up or down.

About Taxsoftware.com

Taxsoftware.com launched the first iPad app for federal tax returns in 2011; developed the first online Individual income tax Form 1040 web site in 1996; the first online Partnership 1065 web site with e-file in 2000; the first online Trust 1041 web site with E-file in 2001; and the first online Corporate 1120/1120S tax web site with e-file in 2004, using the IRS MeF system. Form 990 was added to Taxsoftware.com's portfolio in 2007. Information returns and Excise tax products are also offered by Taxsoftware.com

For online products go to http://www.taxsoftware.com

To download Taxsoftware.com's newest apps for iPad and Mac go to
http://www.taxsoftware.com/macdinstructions.htm

To quickly e-file your individual returns extension, from our iPhone app:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/taxsoftware.com-4868/id416798958?mt=8

Simplified version 1040, 1041, 1099, 1065, 112), 1120S: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/taxsoftware.com-for-ipad-2014/id954160609

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/taxsoft-2014/id954160632?mt=12,

For Windows 8 tablets go to http://www.taxsoftware.com/windows8products.html

Simplified version 1040, 1041, 1099, 1065, 112), 1120S:

http://apps.microsoft.com/windows/en-us/app/taxsoftware-com-2014/42490642-fbd4-46a7-a749-e9d96908a020

Media Contact:
Mickey Macedo
301-320-7080
[email protected]

SOURCE Taxsoftware.com