Re:TurboTax Tricked You into Paying to File Your Taxes (2019)
by mixmastamyk on Thursday February 11, 2021 @09:55PM
(#26110272)
It's not challenging at all. I did taxes in NZ for a contract once. You do make a few choices if you want add some exemptions to save money, but it doesn't amount to much either way.
Re:TurboTax Tricked You into Paying to File Your Taxes (2019)
by s1artibartfast on Friday February 12, 2021 @12:27AM
(#26111003)
Does NZ have a tax code as insane as the US? My point is that half the problem is the law, which needs to be updated.
Re:TurboTax Tricked You into Paying to File Your Taxes (2019)
by mixmastamyk on Friday February 12, 2021 @03:05AM
(#26111600)
Agreed, it was simpler. For example, they didn't have the married/single/blind nonsense.
That said, there are a lot of challenges to such a program.
Ready return was limited to people who were single, no-dependents, standard-deduction, only-wage-income, one-employer, with a maximum adjusted gross income of $139,917
This is great for a number of people and should exist!
That said, if you fall into this category, your 1040 should take 15 minutes to file by paper.
Where automated systems break down is handling more complex scenarios. Selection of deductions, pass through business income and losses, charitable donations, corporate investment vehicles, ect.
Many of this things require individuals to make choices at the time of filing. This is challenging to automate.