How Tax Prep Companies Blocked A Free Tax Filing System

Tax filing could be free right now. The IRS already has the authority to create a free, easy-to-use online tax filing tool, as Elizabeth Warren explains. But tax prep companies like Intuit and H&R Block have spent millions of dollars to stop the IRS from creating it. Instead, Americans will spend $31 billion this year for the privilege of paying services like TurboTax to file for them.
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[Vinlyguyxx]

I remember calling up an H&R block and walking them through how I was filling my taxes over the phone. I asked them if they would do anything different or get me a better rebate for the money I was paying them. The lady on the phone straight up said

“No we do the exact same thing”.

Unless you have extremely complicated businesses which require vast amounts of accounting you can %1000 get away with doing your own taxes. Plus you learn so much while you’re doing it! TOTALLY WORTH IT!

[dcypherd]

I like that you cross-post content like this that isn't strictly union focused from time to time. Build a movement. Solidarity.

[Ammut]

I remember finding out this year that TurboTax was "no longer offering free filing" or that if I wanted to file for free that I had to file in a very small timeframe.

So I did some digging and found the free file link. But even with the free filing there was so much manipulation going on within the webpages and so many tricky questions and misplaced buttons (swapping yes and no buttons around for those that just like to continue clicking as fast as possible) and even at the very end they still tried to trick me into paying to file!

I really hope next year isn't as deceitful. I was still able to finish filing within half an hour so I guess that was nice. . .

[christopherbope]

It is beyond wild that people know and understand that the government knows how much we owe in taxes and doesn't need any info from us to complete the process, but makes use guess anyway, and pay for the privilege, yet most lawmakers feel no need to change this system

[tzuqbts]

You shouldn't HAVE to file whatsoever. The IRS should mail you a check or a bill, accompanied by what they understand your taxes are, and you only file if you want to contest their documentation. You should never have to fear making a mistake and getting into legal trouble. If you don't sign and return a filing, you are free and clear.

[danv]

The software is free to use but they charge you for the filing. If you don’t pay up you wasted your time and day answering the questions in the tax forms the software has. Senator Warren left that part out about paying up for filing because intuit charges.

[wer]

Hooray for Senator Warren's point of view! Citizens are consumers and all deserve to be treated fairly!

[TheSkeptic_]

This is why I love Warren, and so wish she'd been seen as a more viable candidate for her party.

[maryskuza]

I tried h&r block Decades ago. If you have a business they don't put your deductions in. I don't want them to touch more of me.

[ChillStreamsLive]

Intuit forced me to buy their Deluxe Edition to submit my return. A total scam. Why can't the IRS do what's suggested here? So we don't have to use a middle man and their slow service to submit tax paperwork?

[freshbingo]

I think you just called me a liar on national TV

[notabadcookie]

I don't particularly like Ms. Warren, but I don't care. I want this!

[bryanbrian]

80 billion dollars to write a program to free file, and they would still screw it up.

[eliyahubenysrael]

Public owned versions of most industries would stop this quickly.

[UFOsirREAL]

wait, so the lobbyists spent all that money and then who exactly implemented their dreams?

[Passionate_Potato]

Please. I hate doing taxes, I don't mind paying them. Just tell me what I owe.

[elianasmith]

Found your post interesting to watch. I can't wait to see your new videos soon. Good Luck with the upcoming update. This YouTube channel is very informative and effective.

[Educatedunhousedperson]

Why is our gov so fucked up, in the first place?

[bza]

Man the usa is so backwards. I'm a duel citizen of the usa and in aus the gov set up an online tool that makes it so easy and free. Its really not that hard to create a user friendly platform for its citizens in 2022.

[johnstibal]

Yes, but we don't need to give Billions to the IRS in order to setup a system like what warren is describing here.