The survey revealed that while most Americans prefer to spend their money, one-third of taxpayers (33 percent) deposit refunds straight into savings. Some other interesting findings include:

• Though many rush to file at the last minute, roughly two-thirds (65 percent) stated they file their taxes by early April.
• Tax season is often very stressful -- 45 percent equate tax filing to the night before taking a big test in college and the thought of filing taxes sets off a virtual panic attack for 13 percent, who responded "(Can't type breathing into a paper bag)."
• On the other end of the stress-meter, 32 percent see it as a walk in the park
• A third (32 percent) identify with Mark Twain's saying: "The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."
• Businesses seeking to capitalize on American spending habits view tax season as a seasonal opportunity for special promotions. Almost two-thirds (65 percent) communicate with their customers during this time to inform them of relevant products or service offerings, or to relieve a bit of tension during this fraught time.

"Many businesses understand their customers' spending habits and use tax season as an opportunity to develop marketing efforts that tie-in tax related themes," said VerticalResponse CEO Janine Popick. "Seasonal campaigns such as these are a timely and effective way for companies to creatively interact with their customers."