Tax season can be stressful, but could your Zodiac sign determine how you handle it? According to a new survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Chime®, more than half of Americans (54%) experience stress and anxiety during tax season. However, some signs feel it more than others.
Breaking down tax habits by Zodiac sign, the survey found that Tauruses are the most likely to feel extreme tax stress (19%), while Aries and Aquariuses seem the most relaxed – with only 10% reporting high levels of "tax-iety." Perhaps contributing to their stress, Tauruses are also the most likely to completely forget to file (25%), while Scorpios (58%) hold the title for biggest procrastinators. On the other hand, Capricorns are the most proactive, with 23% filing earlier than planned.
When it comes to actual filing timelines, Aquariuses are the earliest birds, with over half (53%) filing in February, followed by Pisces (48%) and Geminis (44%). Meanwhile, Aries (19%) and Capricorns (24%) are most likely to file in April, though Aries are the most likely to stick to their plan and file on time (71%). For those who file later than intended, procrastination (45%) is the biggest culprit, followed by concerns about owing money to the IRS (16%).
The findings also highlight that filing late only increases stress, with 51% of respondents admitting that the longer they wait, the more anxious they become. "Tax season can be daunting, and the longer you wait, the more stressful it can become," said Janelle Sallenave, Chief Spending Officer at Chime. "Getting a head start gives you peace of mind and ensures you have time to catch any mistakes and avoid last-minute surprises."
Despite the stress, there's hope: 55% of habitual late filers say they plan to "break the cycle" in 2025 and file earlier than usual. However, awareness remains a challenge, as only 28% of respondents knew that the IRS begins accepting tax returns at the end of January. Once taxes are submitted, the emotional responses vary. Geminis feel the biggest sense of relief (60%), while Capricorns report feeling the most satisfied (43%). Meanwhile, Sagittariuses and Aquariuses experience the most post-filing anxiety (19%).
The survey underscores that while tax season affects everyone differently, preparation and the right financial tools can help ease the stress. Yet, many taxpayers aren't taking advantage of available solutions – only 27% are using apps to simplify the process, meaning they're missing out on experiences like filing in-app for free* through Chime.
Through Chime, members can file their taxes seamlessly for free and even get their federal refund up to six days early** with direct deposit. Following a successful pilot program in 2024, the in-app feature is available for all new and existing Chime members and offers a truly streamlined e-filing experience with no unexpected paywalls and no filing fees. Members can file their federal and state taxes directly through the Chime app, saving time and money.
Survey Methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans planning to file taxes in 2025, evenly split by Zodiac sign. Commissioned by Chime, the online survey was conducted between Jan. 17–24, 2025.
Respondents were sourced through:
Online access panels (opt-in participants receiving incentives)
Programmatic sampling (users offered surveys in exchange for virtual incentives)
Dynamic online sampling ensured quotas were met. Surveys were conducted in English, and respondents earned points with small cash-equivalent value. Quality control measures included:
Speeders (completing too quickly)
Inappropriate open-ended responses
Bots (filtered via CAPTCHA)
Duplicates (removed via digital fingerprinting)
Results are unweighted but follow strict quotas. Only groups with at least 80 respondents were analyzed, with a 95% confidence level. As the survey required internet access, findings may not be generalized to offline populations
