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Hot topics

Taxes are on everyone’s minds this time of year, so consumer financial information site WalletHub surveyed a nationally representative sample of over 1,000 U.S. taxpayers to get their thoughts on a wide range of tax-related subjects, including who they’d like to punch.
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Man Sitting In Chair Having Tattoo On Arm In Parlor
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What would you do for a tax-free future?

The winner: 27% of respondents said they would get an “IRS” tattoo.

16% would move to another country, and only 11% would clean toilets at Chipotle for three years.
The IRS building in Washington, D.C.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters building stands in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016. Taxpayers have until Monday, April 18 to file their 2015 tax returns and pay any tax owed. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Is the IRS really necessary?

A stunning 86% say it is, though 63% say there’s room for improvement.

Photo: Bloomberg
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A senior couple shocked by something their accountant is telling them about their taxes.
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Are accountants really necessary?

Fortunately, 24% of respondents think accountants and tax pros are a good deal, and just over half think they are “sometimes helpful.” On the downside, 20% think they’re overpriced, and 5% think they’re ”a scam.”
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What would you rather do than pay your taxes?

77% would rather do laundry; 43% would rather change a dirty diaper; and 13% would rather spend a night in jail.
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Debt. Deep in debts
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What is your biggest Tax Day fear?

When it comes to paying their taxes, 36% of taxpayers are worried about making a math mistake, and 26% are concerned about ID theft. Tied at 19% were getting audited, and not having enough money to pay.
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Pope Francis sits in a car after arriving at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., on Sept. 22, 2015. Pope Francis's arrival in the U.S. directly from Cuba today is a purposeful bit of symbolism that affirms President Barack Obama's decision to end the half-century of U.S. estrangement from the island nation. Photographer: Olivier Douliery/Pool via Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Pope Francis
Olivier Douliery/via Bloomberg

Who do you like more than the IRS?

The obvious answer here is “Everyone and everything,” but when forced to be specific, the completely non-tax-related Pope Francis topped the charts, with 54%. Among the other figures people liked more than the IRS? Vladimir Putin, Bill Cosby and OJ Simpson.

Photo: Bloomberg
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Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign rally at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio, U.S., on Monday, March 14, 2016. In Democratic forums, Sanders and Hillary Clinton argue that deportations are ripping apart hard-working undocumented people who are merely trying to make a good life for their families, and that the president must show them mercy, even if it means stretching the limits of the law. Photographer: Ty Wright/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Bernie Sanders
Ty Wright/Bloomberg

Which presidential candidate’s tax plan do you like the most?

“No idea” wins with 34%. If required to pick, 26% say Bernie Sanders.

Photo: Bloomberg
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Donald Trump, president and chief executive of Trump Organization Inc. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, speaks during a town hall event at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, U.S., on Monday, March 14, 2016. As protesters shadow campaign appearances by Trump, the billionaire has shifted a planned Monday-night rally in south Florida to Ohio, where polls show Governor John Kasich may be pulling ahead days before the states primary election. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Donald Trump
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

Who would you most like to punch?

Donald Trump was by far the winner here, with 54% -- but Hillary Clinton came in second (though distantly, at 14%). IRS agents came in at only 4%, and the really good news is that tax pros like accountants and tax attorneys came last with a combined 3%.

Photo: Bloomberg
Tax season
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