Saying, “Happy Tax Day” is the most aggressive oxymoron in America. Today is the official deadline to file your taxes, unless you snagged an extension or live in one of the 12 states hit by natural disasters (shoutout to AL, FL, GA, and the Carolinas — you’ve got a little more time).
If you’re panicking, procrastinating, or just pretending this day doesn’t exist, you’re not alone. Here’s how the rest of the country is feeling right now:
📈 1. Google is flooded with panic searches.
People are desperately asking:
“How do I file a tax extension?”, “What happens if I file my taxes late?”, “What happens if I never file my taxes?” (Let’s not test that last one, folks.)
💀 2. Some people might just skip it altogether.
A poll by Credit Karma found that 17% of Millennials are thinking about NOT filing this year because they don’t think the IRS will catch them due to budget cuts.
Spoiler alert: the IRS will eventually catch you. And you’ll owe even more money with penalties. So unless you enjoy playing financial Jenga with your future… maybe file.
😬 3. People are getting way too chill with tax mistakes.
24% say they’re less worried about making an error this year because, again, “the IRS won’t notice.” OK, risky behavior.
💸 4. Refund delays are the new fear.
Nearly half (46%) of Americans are worried that with fewer IRS agents, refunds will take forever. That same refund most of us are depending on for rent, bills, or paying off that one big “impulse” buy.
💰 5. We need our refunds more than ever.
49% say their finances rely on it. Top uses:
Covering basic needs, Paying down debt, Actually putting something in savings for once
🧠 6. Schools failed us.
77% of Americans think we should’ve learned how to do taxes in school. 70% just wish the tax code made sense. Honestly? Facts.
🥴 7. We think the system’s unfair — especially to the middle class.
58% say low-income folks pay too much
54% say the same about the middle class
Just 12% think the wealthy are taxed too hard (👀)
😅 8. Some people actually enjoy doing their taxes.
Weird flex, but okay. While 64% of us say taxes are stressful, 7% of Americans say they actually enjoy doing them. (Those are probably the same people who alphabetize their spice racks.)
So whether you filed months ago, are typing in TurboTax with one eye closed, or still think you might be able to outrun the IRS, just know — you’re not alone. And yes, it’s still legally considered “Tax Day.”
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