The emergence over the past decade of new institutions and technologies that have made it easier for firms to obtain labor from self-employed contract workers instead of employees has spurred widespread speculation that the U.S. labor market is transitioning to a gig economy. But labor force surveys show no rise in the rate of self-employment since 2000, while the share of individuals reporting self-employment income on their tax returns increased dramatically from 2000 through 2018.
Early filing data suggests a slow start to the filing season, with a nearly 20% downturn in tax returns received compared to the prior year tax refunds are also down.
Traditionally, around two-thirds of taxpayers receive a refund at tax time. An analysis of Google search volume offers a look at those most anxious to receive a refund.
Early filing data suggests a slow start to the filing season, with a nearly 20% downturn in tax returns received compared to the prior year tax refunds are also down.