About 50 percent of taxpayers will file federal taxes online, up from 34 percent just five years ago, according to a survey by The Conference Board and TNS. The conclusion is based on a survey of 10,000 households which found that convenience and speed are drawing consumers to Web-based preparation. But despite that trend, there is more concern about the security of online transactions.

The biggest barrier to electronic filing is simply those individuals who do not prepare their own taxes, followed about concern about putting personal information online followed by the complexity of returns. Among those filing online, 38 percent intend to use a professional service. Another 38 percent plan to use do-it-yourself tax software. One quarter of filers intend to use IRS e-file.