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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 binarymax on Monday May 15, 2023 @02:24PM (#35952465)
No you’re doing everything right! The point is that you shouldn’t even need to do anything. The IRS already has your information. Unless youre changing something that they won’t know about (for example not using the standard deduction), then ideally you would get an automated return and possible refund without taking any action.
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Re:IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with ta... by whimsicalism on Monday May 15, 2023 @02:28PM (#35952521)
The point is that I might report something that they aren't aware of. It makes sense to me, the IRS does not know everything and strategically witholding what you know will lead people to report things that you don't know about.
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Re:IRS tests free e-filing system that could compete with ta... by Taywee on Monday May 15, 2023 @03:02PM (#35953025)
In countries that don't force every citizen to file, you still can report things they aren't aware of and still can do your taxes manually if you choose.

The majority of the population doesn't know anything about their taxes that the IRS doesn't. Why force everybody through a song and dance that only is of service to the exceptions (and a couple very large tax filing corporations who lobby hard against automatic taxes)?

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