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A comment on IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with tax prep giants. Parent comment

Re:IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with ta... by mynameisvlad on Monday May 15, 2023 @02:03PM (#35952136)
In most countries that have implemented such a system, the government prepares your taxes for you, and then you ok them or ask for adjustments. The vast majority that use standard deductions would just approve it, while those that know their deductions would exceed that can itemize it.

Why wouldn't such a system work here?

It's not like the act of doing your taxes is what makes your realize you're over the standard deduction. Most people will know if they've done standard or itemized in the past and act off that.

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Re:IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with ta... by RandallBrown on Monday May 15, 2023 @02:59PM (#35952975)
> It's not like the act of doing your taxes is what makes your realize you're over the standard deduction.

That is exactly how I figured out I should itemize my taxes this year.

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Re:IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with ta... by mynameisvlad on Tuesday May 16, 2023 @04:39PM (#35967441)
What part of the process prompted you to do that? TurboTax asking you if you want to itemize or not?

That's pretty much the extent most Americans think about itemization as it stands, and whether it comes from a tax software or the government, the result is going to be the same.

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