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#2 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-02-08 12:53 AM | Reply
Must be the first group in history to feel this way.
Wouldn't know if it's the first time. But if it is, "there is no time like now." (someone here should be able to provide Youtube link.)
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... poll from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Two-thirds of U.S. taxpayers say they spend "too much" on federal income taxes... About 7 in 10 say the same about local property taxes, while roughly 6 in 10 feel that way about state sales tax.
... The poll found that few U.S. adults have a high level of confidence that the institutions that ultimately use their tax dollars - whether the federal government or local school districts - spend those taxes in the best interest of "people like them." But people tend to trust governing bodies closer to home with their tax dollars slightly more: 16% are extremely or very confident in their local school district, compared to 6% for the federal government.
Adults who are 60 and older are more likely than younger adults to perceive taxes, generally, as fair.
... overall, public opinion about taxes and trust in government has declined. ... but the public has long typically trusted local government more than the federal government.
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#3 | Posted by snoofy at 2024-02-08 03:03 AM
time.com
As of right now, Direct File is only available in states that have, or were able to develop, their own state tax filing solution. ...
You didn't read further than that?
FTA:
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What is IRS Free File?
Direct File is not to be confused with IRS Free File, a separate federal tax software that allows eligible taxpayers to file their federal tax returns for free. That program, which began in 2003, is part of a public-private partnership between the IRS and tax preparation companies, and provides taxpayers with two options. ...
Taxpayers who make an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less can use the Guided Tax Software, which "lets the software do the work" after a user answers simple questions. The software also allows users to file taxes in Spanish.
Taxpayers can also choose the free file fillable forms option, which provides general instructions on how to file taxes, instead of completing the work for a taxpayer. ...
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And from IRS website www.irs.gov - IRS Free File: Do your taxes for free
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IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software. It's safe, easy and no cost to you. Those who don't qualify can still use Free File Fillable Forms.
Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.
Option 1: Guided Tax Software
(for Adjusted Gross Income(AGI) $79,000 or less)
Let the software do the work ...
Option 2: Fillable Forms
You do all the work using form instructions
Available for any income level ...
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Like I said, it's not a "must" - it's a choice... If you have a simple tax return, with few deductions, you can do it yourself, use free or cheap software or free or cheap tax services. If you want it to be more complicated due to your chosen structure - you pay a pittance to get it done by educated professionals, who are doing for... gash, a p-p-p-profit.
Certainly, far from the "crisis" or burden that's "different from the rest of the developed world" that authors of the original NYT article claimed.
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