In a national survey of its current clients actively considering or navigating through the foreclosure process, YouWalkAway.com, a foreclosure assistance company, revealed that 34% of those surveyed said the looming Mortgage Debt Relief Act expiration date of Dec. 31 contributed to their decision to strategically default on their mortgage.

“The survey results are not surprising; YouWalkAway.com saw a number of homeowners reach out to us in early and mid 2011, due to the impending 2012 deadline,” said Jon Maddux, CEO of the Carlsbad, Calif.-based firm. “Many were prompted to begin the foreclosure process in 2011, in order to ensure their foreclosure is complete by the end of 2012.”

The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 was created to relieve former homeowners of their obligation to pay taxes on the difference between their loan amount and the amount their property fetches through short sale or at foreclosure auction.