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IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants

washingtonpost.com

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Re: IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants

#421

Post by pintxo »

BlackjackCF wrote: post #68
jandrese wrote: post #16

For what it is worth, even with my medium-complex tax return I have had great results with freetaxusa.com for the past few years. The first couple of times we used it we ran the taxes through TurboTax and FreeTax at the same time and due to better UI the FreeTax version was faster and less confusing. That said, at the end of the process after entering all of the same information in the same places the TurboTax one di…

I really hope that we can get closer to the European experience with taxes. I was flabbergasted that when I was living in Ireland, I could do my taxes by going online, clicking a couple boxes, and hitting submit.

So you have not been to Germany, I guess.

Re: IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants

#424

Post by rocketbop »

> A direct-to-IRS e-file system is wholly redundant and is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem," said Rick Heineman, a spokesman for Intuit, the company behind TurboTax. "That solution will unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars and especially harm the most vulnerable Americans."

Extraordinary that he could say that sentence with what I assume was a straight face.

Re: IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants

#428

Post by jcadam »

On the upside, if the tax-preparation industry is destroyed or severely diminished, it would make it easier to reform/simplify the tax code at a later date should a future government be so inclined.

On the downside... no way would I use a tax preparation system provided by the IRS. It's bound to be a UX nightmare, like all government software, there's an obvious conflict of interest (the IRS has no reason to help find deductions and/or assist me in minimizing my tax bill), and I'd rather not give them any more visibility than I have to into my personal finances.

Update for downvoters: Woah! Sorry for casting aspersions at the Tax Man.

Re: IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants

#429

Post by pcurve »

rocketbop wrote: post #424

> A direct-to-IRS e-file system is wholly redundant and is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem," said Rick Heineman, a spokesman for Intuit, the company behind TurboTax. "That solution will unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars and especially harm the most vulnerable Americans." Extraordinary that he could say that sentence with what I assume was a straight face.

Just a paid shill with no credibility. Reminds me of David Lereah who was the spokesperson for National Association of Realtors during the biggest housing bubble who claimed there was no bubble.

Re: IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants

#430

Post by pcurve »

jcadam wrote: post #428

On the upside, if the tax-preparation industry is destroyed or severely diminished, it would make it easier to reform/simplify the tax code at a later date should a future government be so inclined. On the downside... no way would I use a tax preparation system provided by the IRS. It's bound to be a UX nightmare, like all government software, there's an obvious conflict of interest (the IRS has no reason to help fin…

Just curious, why not?
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