Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

propublica.org

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

1–10 of 341 posts

Re: How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

#2

Post by Nursie »

In Australia there is a program distributed by the government each year, based on some sort of spreadsheet type thing, that looks up as much info as it can from central records (when provided with identifying info) and then walks you through the rest of the process of filling in a return.

Not as simple as "yes, that looks right" that happens in a bunch of places, or the UK system (no tax return unless you have special circumstances) but it works well.

Re: How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

#4

Post by jbellis »

LarryMade2 wrote: post #3

This is why the US can't have shiny things. I've always thought the IRS should provide us with a lot of the tax info, since it gets reported to them so regularly.

The IRS computer systems are stuck in the 80s. You can get them to send you a copy of the information they have; it will be ready around August.

I'm not exaggerating; I've done this a couple times because I'm terrible at keeping track of the paperwork otherwise. (Protip: you can file an extension until October with no penalty.)

Re: How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

#7

Post by fr0sty »

jbellis wrote: post #4
LarryMade2 wrote: post #3

This is why the US can't have shiny things. I've always thought the IRS should provide us with a lot of the tax info, since it gets reported to them so regularly.

The IRS computer systems are stuck in the 80s. You can get them to send you a copy of the information they have; it will be ready around August. I'm not exaggerating; I've done this a couple times because I'm terrible at keeping track of the paperwork otherwise. (Protip: you can file an extension until October with no penalty.)

> Protip: you can file an extension until October with no penalty.

Caveat: This is true ONLY if you are due a refund. If you owe tax you will be charged interest (and possibly penalties) for paying after the deadline[1].

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Extensions-and-Payment-Options

Re: How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

#8

Post by MatthewPhillips »

The IRS switched to an xml file format a couple of years ago for e-filing, which broke the first week of the tax season. They were unable to accept any returns for around a week, IIRC. This article is a little overly optimistic about their chances of fully replacing tax prep, in my opinion.

Re: How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

#9

Post by k3n »

seivan wrote: post #6

Hmm. How good is Turbo Tax, I mean I can tell it's horribly coded, but does it have automated features/recommendations that will help you earn more? Or is it basically what the tax system does in Swede/Finland etc?

They usually have a free version that is adequate for the most basic of returns, and then all others require you to purchase something in order to file through them. If you actually want the value-added services (such as the recommendations you mention), then you pay even more.

The situation is a farce and a disgrace to our country; the pockets of a few are getting lined at the detriment of the many. Wait, are we discussing taxes, or healthcare, or big banks....?

Post reply on HN