Episode 41: Why Are US Tax Returns So Complicated?

<p>Happy Tax Season! Friendly reminder that, if you live in the US, your taxes are due May 17th. </p> <p>Americans are used to being inundated with ads for tax preparation software to help them file their complicated returns every year. Most Americans end up using some sort of tax prep software to help navigate the process and make sure they're filing correctly. But have you ever wondered.. if the IRS knows what we owe every year, why do we have to go through this complicated annual process to begin with? Join Matt and Carolanne this week as they talk about the tax prep software lobbyists that want to keep your taxes complicated for profit. </p> <p>Our Linktree: linktr.ee/boozedandconfused</p> <p>This week's booze: Left Hand Brewing Peanut Butter Milk Stout</p> <p>Sources: </p> <ul><li><a href='https://www.pcmag.com/news/most-americans-file-their-taxes-online-but-many-still-worry-about-security'>https://www.pcmag.com/news/most-americans-file-their-taxes-online-but-many-still-worry-about-security</a></li> <li><a href='https://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/turbotax-h-r-block-spend-millions-lobbying-us-keep-doing-n736386'>https://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/turbotax-h-r-block-spend-millions-lobbying-us-keep-doing-n736386</a></li> <li><a href='https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-and-others-charged-at-least-14-million-americans-for-tax-prep-that-should-have-been-free-audit-finds'>https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-and-others-charged-at-least-14-million-americans-for-tax-prep-that-should-have-been-free-audit-finds</a></li> <li>irs.gov/freefile</li> </ul>