[jorblumesea]

Most countries have their version of the IRS "file for you" without any of those difficulties. Everyone reports tax information to the central authority which determines how much you owe. Even complex things like 1099-B, 1099-Div etc. Which is how the current system works anyways, it just eliminates the hassle.

There's almost no scenario where the IRS cannot do this stuff. Think about this fact: your W-2, 1099 investments and most other financial information is already reported to the IRS. They have it already. Absolutely bonkers that people accept anything less than just being sent a bill or check once a year.

> Right now, the system we have is pretty good.

Yeah, big disagree there. If you've ever done taxes in another country you will realize how idiotic taxes are in the US. Australia is literally, 10 minutes per year, and even complex things like investments, stocks...

[djrogers]

Yes, those docs are filed with the IRS, but charitable contributions, child status (are they dependents or not this year?), expenses (home office, side hustle, property management etc), and many other things aren't.

If all your tax returns reference are the handful of items you mention, your tax return can be done in a matter of minutes on a short form.

Yes, it could be better, but it's a fantasy to think it should be as simple as getting a bill from the IRS at the end of the year.

[jorblumesea]

These are easily done and in other countries, are fairly simple. Sure it turns your 10 minute tax affair into a 25 minute one. Declaring child status is just a simple form box. Declaring "side hustle" money is a similar affair. Charitable contributions just register with the IRS instead of it going directly to you like a 1099 or W2.

It's still a far cry from the "entire Saturday morning" affair, even using online tax software.