Millennials Most Likely to File Taxes Early

The Millennial generation is the most diligent when it comes to filing their taxes early, according to a new survey.

Ninety percent of Millennials filed at least one month ahead of the tax deadline, compared to an average of 77 percent for all other age groups, according to a poll of 500 U.S. adults by the consumer insights firm Instantly.

The survey also found that 33 percent of Millennials plan to save their federal and state tax refunds, compared to only 18 percent of non-Millennials, who are more likely to use their refunds to pay down debt and bills. 

The study also found that 17 percent of Millennials feel a sense of civic pride when filing their taxes, while the majority of non-Millennials feel that taxes are just something they have to do.

"Media buzz around tax season tends to focus on last-minute filers, but the study found that most people file early, with Millennials leading the charge," said Instantly chief marketing officer Andy Jolls in a statement.

Instantly also found that more than 82 percent of Americans said they have filed their taxes a month ahead of deadline, while only 4 percent of U.S. adults reported they will wait until April 15 to file their taxes 

The survey also revealed that nearly 50 percent of Americans use online tax programs over other filing methods, citing ease of use as the main reason. Twenty percent of respondents said they use a tax preparation service such as H&R Block, while 18 percent still file themselves on paper, and 14 percent rely on an accountant.

In addition, 75 percent of those polled expect to receive less than the average national tax refund of $3,120, or to owe money. Despite the tools and increased convenience available today, there is still plenty of hesitation around filing.

The survey found that 79 percent of respondents were apprehensive about the outcome of filing their taxes. Concerns about filing incorrectly and not getting all the money back that they deserve topped their fears. The biggest usage of tax refund money is paying down bills and debts for 36 percent of Americans.

To see the complete survey results, click here.

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