Why is software necessary at all? In the Philippines, if you are registered with eFPS, and have an account in one of the accredited banks, nothing is needed except a web browser.

I’m not sure what you mean by custom non-browser software. It wasn’t something I intended to refer to.

Then it is a misunderstanding on my side.

For me, it wasn't the forms, but live person's advice about murky sections of the tax code. I used taxesforexpats.com

Makes sense. I used to prepare taxes so I appreciate the value of human insight there. I also have contempt for the industry because so few practitioners will teach easy cases to fish, or refrain from optimizing a return when the cost of prep exceeds the amount saved. (Not saying your situation is easy; it’s not.) Plus I do think it’s time the IRS stepped up automation for simple returns.