[jdeibele]

I think overall the IRS not providing the information is driven more by tax preparer lobbyists and anti-tax crusaders (like Grover Norquist). The tax preparers want the revenue and the crusaders want people to be irritated by the process.

I did have basically the same thought as you, that not showing you the info means you're tempted to hide it. However, even if somebody is late reporting the info to the IRS, you're still liable. And the opportunity to hide income is gradually being reduced: eBay is sending 1099s [0] if you sell enough there, so is Amazon [1] and even Facebook Marketplace [2] for sales through them (as opposed to meeting in person and using cash).

If people use Venmo or Zelle, that's trackable. Maybe the IRS isn't using it today but some day.

[0] https://www.ebay.com/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/ebay... [1] https://sellercentral.amazon.com/help/hub/reference/external... [2] https://www.facebook.com/business/help/970063599855691?id=54...