Taxes • Finances Published April 11, 2024

This is the latest edition of the Google Trends newsletter, with a focus today on tax season and finances.
For more insights and data storytelling on how the world is searching, follow us on Twitter @GoogleTrends and Instagram @googletrends. All data is correct at the time of writing.

Daily Quiz 

Which was searched more in the past month?

tax return deadline or tax return extension?

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Taxes

• “how often does irs audit” and ”what triggers an irs audit” are breakout searches, past week, US

• San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose CA was the top US metropolitan area searching for Taxable income over the past week

• Searches for Tax advisor are currently at an all-time high in the US

• Searches for “how to file a tax extension” spiked +550% in the US over the past month

GRAPH: Search interest in “file taxes for free” is currently at an all-time high in the US

Most searched “do i need to report … on my tax returns”

past week, US

1. Form 5498

2. Roth IRA

3. Form 1095-C

4. Form 1099-G

5. 401k

Most searched “is it better …” on taxes

past week, US

1. Is it better to file jointly or separately?

2. Is it better to claim 1 or 0 allowances?

3. Is it better to file single or head of household?

4. Is it better to do taxes online or in person?

5. Is it better to pay taxes now or later?

Financial Literacy

• Over the past week, the top searched contribution limits are for 401(k) followed by roth IRA and HSA in the US

• “best personal finance software” increased +300% in the US over the past week

• Search interest in traditional IRA, roth IRA and backdoor roth are all currently searched more than ever this month in the US

• Searches asking “what is a charge off on credit report” doubled in the US over the past month

GRAPH: Search interest in IRA is currently at an all-time high this month and has surpassed 401(K) in the US

Most searched finance related “ how much do i need to …”

past week, US

1. Retire

2. Make to file taxes

3. Buy a house

4. Make to live comfortably

5. Donate to get a tax deduction

Most searched “financial advisor for …”

past week, US

1. Low income

2. Debt

3. Young adults

4. Small business

5. Federal employees

 

Daily Quiz Answer

% of both topics search interest combined

Answer: tax return deadline

Jenny Lee

Lead Google Trends Analyst

With Sabrina Elfarra