Exactly. We have the ability to do this, and private companies lobby against it (and win!) to protect their profit.
What the fark.
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So, you're comfortable with just trusting the government to tell you what you owe? I'd prefer to check the math myself.
> I'd prefer to check the math myself.
Read the article. That's the idea. Check the math if you want, file your own paperwork if you want.
Login to IRS website, be shown all your data.
Is this correct? Yes. No. buttons. Workflow is present to deal with incorrect data.
The data is already submitted electronically by employers, brokerage/retirement asset management companies, states, etc. Why should I have to pay a private company (I'm looking at you Intuit) when the IRS should have the ability to provide the same service FOR FREE.
Government doesn't know your business expenses and various deductions (unless you want to stream your cash and credit card transactions directly to the IRS)
Sweden already has a form of this. There is a black box many retailers need to install which submits all of their daily transactions to the government.
Sure, perhaps we should also station TSA outside every retailer and have them search our bags. That sounds like a privacy nightmare.
Of course it is. I would never live in Sweden because of things like this. I was just pointing it out.
Response to niggler: Yeah, I'm cool streaming them my business transactions via Yodlee/Mint/my bank if it streamlines the process. They can already get the data if they want it (audit, etc).
Have you been through an audit? They don't just arbitrarily ask for all your records; they have questions about a specific number or set of numbers on your tax return and they ask you to substantiate it.