An HM Revenue & Customs survey has shown that 86% of UK internet users find online banking easier than going into their branch or using other services.
The research, carried out in September 2006 by TNS, was based on 1,015 adults across the UK and also revealed that 77% of internet users find filling in tax returns easier online.
More than nine million people need to fill in a tax return each year, and according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), over two million of them do this on the internet.
HMRC has suggested that the online method is more convenient and that the instant tax calculations, high level security and stop and start functions that the service provides, is making it increasingly appealing.
The survey supported this suggestion, revealing that 37% of non-internet users believe filing a tax return online would be easier than alternative methods.
HMRC’s research also revealed that among those questioned, the three most popular uses for the internet are researching, booking holidays and banking.