A new poll from marketing research firm Savanta reveals that a strong majority of Americans want tax reform, with 70% saying they prefer a simpler tax code instead of the current overcomplicated and stressful U.S. tax system.
The survey, which had a sample size of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 18 and older and was conducted from March 5-6, 2025, found that:
- Nearly 50% of Americans admit they don’t fully understand how to fill out their tax forms.
- 64% find tax preparation at least somewhat stressful.
- 36% aren’t confident they’re maximizing deductions and credits.
- 36% say their biggest fear when filing is making a mistake.
“The data we’ve uncovered underscores a major issue: the U.S. system is unnecessarily complex, and it’s taking a toll on everyday Americans,” Kyle Gollins, head of commercial, Americas at Savanta, said in a statement. “When nearly half of the population doesn’t fully understand how to file their taxes and more than a third fear making mistakes, it’s clear that simplifying the process could alleviate stress and reduce errors.”
With the recent staffing cuts at the IRS under the Trump administration, 38% of Americans believe their refund will take longer to receive this year, while 32% worry that staffing cuts will lead to more people cheating on their taxes, the Savanta poll revealed.
Misinformation about government spending is also widespread among Americans, according to the survey. Nearly one in five Americans (18%) believe at least half of the federal budget goes to politicians’ salaries, while 35% think it’s at least a quarter. Meanwhile, both Republicans and Democrats surveyed agree that too little is spent on key areas:
- 57% say the government underspends on veterans’ benefits.
- 52% believe Social Security needs more funding.
- 48% say education is underfunded.
“Public confidence in the IRS’s ability to process tax returns is wavering as a result of the Department of Government Efficiency staff reductions,” Gollins said. “With 38% expecting refund delays and 32% fearing more tax fraud, IRS staffing cuts are adding to taxpayer frustration. At the same time, many believe too little is spent on essential public services—highlighting a growing disconnect between taxpayers and how their money is managed.”
When it comes to tax preparation preferences, tax practitioners and tax software lead, while artificial intelligence lags behind, the survey found. Nearly half of Americans turn to professionals for help with tax filing, while 48% said they rely on tax software. However, AI in tax prep isn’t winning people over yet—only 18% trust AI-driven tax software.
With so much confusion around filing and deductions, Americans overwhelmingly believe tax education should start early. Seventy-seven percent of respondents say schools should teach students about taxes, with strong agreement across political lines (Republicans 75%, Democrats 78%, and Independents 78%).
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Tags: Income Taxes, IRS, tax preparation, tax reform, Taxes
