Tax Season: Americans Preparing for Early Returns

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans prepare to file their tax returns, Yellow Pages publishers see an increase in searches for tax-related headings. Yellow Pages Association (YPA) research conducted by Burke shows that print yellow pages searches for tax preparers peak in February, while the accountants heading boasts its highest references in January, in preparation for the April due date.  

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According to YPA Director of Research Natalie Wuchenich, consumers turn to the Yellow Pages when they need guidance, "Research shows that more than 14 million U.S. searches are made for accountants in the Yellow Pages each year. Similarly, more than 26 million references are made to the tax preparers heading, leading to a combined annual total of 40.5 million searches for tax-related help."

Some more interesting facts from the data:

• Of those people who sought an accountant through Yellow Pages, approximately 85 percent contacted a business as compared to the all-headings average of around 80 percent.
• More than 90 percent of tax preparer searches and 70% of accountant searches were for home or personal assistance.
• Those searching without a name in mind often consider four or five different ads before choosing a service.

"Filing taxes can be complicated and stressful. It's essential to find someone with the appropriate qualifications and expertise to help consumers properly file their income tax returns. That challenge of finding someone to trust can be daunting, which is why access to a comprehensive list of local businesses really helps," said Wuchenich.

About the Yellow Pages Association:

Originally founded in 1975 as the National Yellow Pages Service Association (NYPSA), the Yellow Pages Association® (YPA®) is the largest trade organization of a print and digital media industry valued at more than $27 billion worldwide. Association members include Yellow Pages publishers, who produce products that account for over 95 percent of the Yellow Pages revenue generated in the U.S. and Canada. Members also include the industry's international, national and local sales forces, certified marketing representatives (CMRs) and associate members, a group of industry stakeholders that include Yellow Pages advertisers, vendors and suppliers. The Association has members in 29 countries.

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SOURCE Yellow Pages Association