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will this allow me to digitally file my amended federal taxes? That's the one thing that I was looking forward to when I started reading this and possible may impact most taxpayers but looks like IRS still needs amended tax returns in a paper form being mailed out to them?
This is about handling all the other activities surrounding tax filing, such as getting copies of 3rd-party information returns (W-2s, 1099-Rs, etc), receiving and responding to notices regarding errors or questions in the previously filed tax return, etc.
California FTB (tax agency) set up an online system for taxpayers starting five or more years ago, with continuing enhancements since then. IRS is just now catching up, by providing the ability for a taxpayer (or tax practitioner with permission) to create a secure login account with access to their personal information.
will this allow me to digitally file my amended federal taxes? That's the one thing that I was looking forward to when I started reading this and possible may impact most taxpayers but looks like IRS still needs amended tax returns in a paper form being mailed out to them?
The UK has had online tax returns since 2001. It always amazes me how many things in the US still use paper.
The article is primarily about processing documents other than actual income tax returns. Does the U.K. have a completely digital (paperless) way of communicating with taxpayers and resolving issues after the tax return is filed? The U.S. has had "online tax returns" (e-file) since the 1990s. Paid tax preparers are mandated to efile, it is only the minority of DIY taxpayers who insist on paper filing their income tax…
This is a gross misrepresentation of the situation. Being forced to chop down and bleach trees if you don’t want to pay a bribe to a rent seeking company that lobbies directly against your interests is not “insisting on paper filing” at all.
The UK has had online tax returns since 2001. It always amazes me how many things in the US still use paper.
Now your taxes can be filed on a postcard. And the IRS can preprint it and send it to you, with an online code or something to click “ok” on a web site and be done.
The government uses the tax code like a Swiss Army knife, trying to reward friends, punish enemies, encourage and discourage behaviors, etc. As a result we collectively spend millions of person hours and untold $$$ paying accountants to find and exploit loopholes and try and avoid undue attention.
Let’s just stop.
How about this: let’s go to a single flat rate for everyone and everything (say 20%) and eliminate all deductions except for a standard deduction (say whatever is the poverty line, eg $25000 or so). This would be for corporations and individuals. Now your taxes can be filed on a postcard. And the IRS can preprint it and send it to you, with an online code or something to click “ok” on a web site and be done. The gove…
Going digital would at least alleviate the fears of having submitted the returns on time, since otherwise IRS doesn't acknowledge them receiving on/before time.