(Replying to PARENT post)
You can thank Grover Norquist[1] for that. The Taxpayer Protection Pledge [2] that he promulgates to US republican lawmakers is the primary mechanism though which those legislators justify blocking simplification and streamlining of tax filing. If it's easier for people to pay taxes the government will probably ask for more cash if we implement those systems, right? Therefore it must be blocked according to the pledge! The logic is airtight!
Ironically in reality this is actually pretty much the opposite of taxpayer protection and amounts to additional tax paid to private corporations on TOP of our existing taxes.
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grover_Norquist [2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americans_for_Tax_Reform#Taxpa...
👤THE_PUN_STOPS🕑4y🔼0🗨️0
(Replying to PARENT post)
Part of the reason is because tax software companies pay legislators to make and keep taxes complicated. There is no reason, with the advent of internet and databases, that 90% of people’s taxes can’t be completely automated.
Part of the reason is because more tax rules means more loopholes to take advantage of.
👤lotsofpulp🕑4y🔼0🗨️0
(Replying to PARENT post)
2. It's actually pretty easy to use the electronic forms or just use paper.
3. Tax software is good, and a competent tax preparer is even better.
Why we have a tax system which creates so much work there is an entire set of industries (tech, tax preparers, etc) built around it just to pay the government is kind of loony...