[drewg123]

Because of Grover Norquist and his organization (ironically named Americans for Tax Reform). Their "Taxpayer Protection Pledge" taken by most Republican lawmakers (95% before 2012), locks them into supporting his policies. The problem is that he views any attempt to simplify tax filing just like a tax increase (presumably since people will be less upset about paying their taxes), and uses his influence to lobby against reforms like this.

[wwww4all]

The president can simply order IRS to give taxpayers itemized list of taxes and income information they have and the taxes for the year.

If the taxpayer agrees, they can just sign and get refund or pay additional taxes.

If taxpayer disagrees, they can submit additional information.

The Democratic president can do this right now, for this tax year.

[eppsilon]

Wouldn't this cost money to implement? Money that Congress would need to appropriate?