TurboTax's Horror Short Spotlights Tax Anxiety

Today, TurboTax has officially released Undone, a short horror film to explore the stress and anxiety surrounding tax season. With the deadline looming, Canadians all feeling a little spooked.

According to a recent study, a staggering 85% of young Canadians are haunted by anxiety and stress as they grapple with the looming tax deadline. What's more, over 70% of them have experienced significant life events that impact thief filing, such as relocating to a new city, graduating from school, or diving into a side gig, further intensifying their tax-related stress.

'Undone' directed by Filip Terlecki, and starring Mitsuko Noguchi in her debut role alongside Dylan Simpson, plunges viewers into an unassuming apartment where the dread of tax season takes on a haunting presence. Tapping into the psyche of gen z's fascination with the horror genre, through visuals and heart-pounding suspense, the film offers a relatable depiction of the overwhelming anxiety that accompanies tax preparation. 

With 18 more days before the tax deadline, this timely film raises awareness of this issue facing young Canadians and assures them of confronting tax season head-on through expert help.

“We know Canadians can experience anxiety around filing their taxes, and TurboTax’s mission is to meet Canadians where they are. We do this by building our products that make it easy for Canadians to file their taxes, regardless of their tax situation. We also market our products through real Canadian experiences,” said Gah-Yee Won, head of marketing, Consumer Group at Intuit Canada. “With Undone, TurboTax is continuing to keep in lockstep with culture, ensuring our creative reflects lived experience and lands with impact.”

“The best way to alleviate tax anxiety is to get ahead of it by tackling it bit by bit and knowing when to seek out expert help,” said Brittany Krystantos, author and mental health expert. “Brands like TurboTax are helping normalize and shed light on real phenomena experienced by young Canadians as they grow into adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it.” 

“Undone was truly a one-of-a-kind project. And it was amazing that the teams at TurboTax and Citizen Relations had the courage to dive headfirst into the horror genre, unwavering in their commitment,” said Filip Terlecki, director of Undone. 

“With this exceptional opportunity, my aim was to craft a film that delivers spine-tingling scares, heart-pounding tension, and an unforgettable climax that lingers in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. To achieve this, my team and I delved deep into the psychological aspects of horror, utilising darkness and sound to let the imagination run wild.” Filip continued. “Combined with the captivating performances of our talented actors, Mitsuko and Dylan, some great monster makeup, clever practical effects and a touch of VFX magic and our humble horror looks and feel like something you might see at a theatre near you.”

"When Citizen approached us with the opportunity, it was a no-brainer to shoot out of the traditional way of advertising. Overall, this was a well-rounded great team effort. Executive Producer" said Paul Irving.