More Americans are Worried about the Privacy and Security of Their Information When Filing Tax Returns Online

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Apr 07, 2014, 08:00 ET

BETHESDA, Md., April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A majority of Americans say they are very or somewhat concerned about the privacy and safety of their personal and financial data when using computers, tablets or smartphones to file their tax returns online. According to a new survey, 68% expressed concerns about the safety of their data when using desktop computers to file their state and federal tax forms; 65% are concerned when using their iPads or tablets, and 65% are concerns when using their smartphones.

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

The survey was commissioned by Taxsoftware.com, which launched the first iPad app for federal tax returns in 2011. Percentages have been rounded up or down.

"The sharp increase in privacy concerns over the last two years is no surprise, given the recent news coverage about the theft of data from organizations ranging from retails stores including Target and government agencies such as the NSA," said Taxsoftware.com spokesperson Mickey Macedo.

"As worried as people are today, their level of concern pales in comparison to 1997, when a Taxsoftware.com poll found that 83% of Americana had safety-related issues about using the Internet to file their tax returns," Macedo said.

The survey was conducted on February 1st, 2014 by Google Surveys and has a margin of error of three percent. The survey consisted of a national sample of 5,426 adults 18 years of age or older from an online panel. The sample's composition reflects that of the U.S. adult population according to U.S. Census data.

About Taxsoftware.com

Taxsoftware.com 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 new implemented 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, Mac, and Windows 8 tablets, go to
http://www.taxsoftware.com/macdinstructions.htm
http://www.taxsoftware.com/windows8products.html

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

SOURCE Taxsoftware.com