Subject: complexity Comment: I listened to the tax reform panel on CSPAN on Wed. Oct.12 and was appalled. The reason for disregarding a federal sales tax or value added tax was "complexity"! I cannot think of a more complex system than we have now. I know that all of this complexity has probably started out with good intentions for this person or that entity but I honestly do not think in the long run it really is good for the U.S. It probably helps the CPAs, tax attorneys, and H&R Blocks of the world but is not a good deal for the average American. I am so sick to death of the rip off of average Americans who think they have to get their taxes done and need a "rapid refund" and then get ripped off again. I am very disappointed and angry about the so called "tax reform committee ideas". I have this sinking feeling that they are going to piddle and diddle around with the code and add more pages and make it more complex than it is now. This seems to be a symptom of a sickness in our government. There is so much gobbledegook now that we should be the laughing stock of all time and should be fodder for more Saturday Night Live material. Not only is this system so abosolutley absurd, it is also imitated by states and local governments who have the nerve to subject their citizens to another layer of ridiculous paper work. The income tax is a giant toy chest for politicians to play around with in order to curry favors from various groups. I have no confidence in the government at this point and the performance of its various departments and agencies is an embarrassment to me. Please, I beg this committee to simplify - not complicate. I was hoping to be rid of the whole concept as it exists and just send in one page. Example: for individuals or businesses - assemble the gross receipts or revenues or incomes for the year. Deduct a standard deduction and exemptions and send in a percentage of that figure. Bingo - you are done. Not hopeful, Karen Cracchiolo |