Subject: Total Reform Comment: I used to volunteer as a tax preparer for individuals. I stopped because of the ever increasing complexity of the code. If three preparers do a tax return for a couple; one partner self-employed, one salaried, with two children; one living with them and one partial custody, you will never get the same total tax due. I don't think the income tax code is salvageable in its current form. In my personal opinion, the only solution is to eliminate all credits, deductions, and adjustments and balance this with a higher floor on taxable income. Perhaps not as extreme as a 'flat tax'(tempting as the thought is). Keep a progressive band style table. They're easy for most individuals to read. But simplify it to a single page form that can be filled in online in less than five minutes with free e-file. No hoodoo. Fewer opportunities for fraud. No need for a complex website to figure out if you're underwithholding for God's Sake! No printing costs. |