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www.propublica.org/article/congress-is-about-to-ban-the-government-from-offering-free-online-tax-filing-thank-turbotaxOne thing I have always found to be true -- if the two big parties are on the same page, something awful is probably about to happen.

Except for 10-15 years in business, I have and do fill out my own tax documents. I made my first mistake last year and it burned my ego. If I mess it up again this year I guess I will have to pay someone!I have wondered for the past 5 years, with all the info they have, and the new software, why you could not call up a prefilled out 1040 of what is known and allow the citizen to complete the form with their input.My first income reporting was on a simple IBM card, a 5th grader would have had no problem. It should still be that simple!I am really smiling as I look at my old cup beside me. It says:Semper FI. I was in the Corps at 17 on my first filing in 1956. Total yearly income $780.00. LO Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

Agreed Dave.This is ridiculous

Uh, no? But I don't want to be forced to use a private company either.The IRS already has software that checks your taxes and validates them against their rules. Software companies implement rules based on exactly what the IRS publishes. I'm pretty skeptical of any type of government service, but all of this is already happening. The only thing this legislation does is ensure that automation of this essential government service can ONLY be provided privately. That's not necessary given existing IRS infrastructure and it doesn't make any sense.

I see no problem, NONE, for the IRS to flip the form out there with the info THEY have with standard deductions applied to let you see if you are happy with that. Other wise allowing you to simply switch to the long form and add your data.Example. My sister just passed away. as the executor I went thru her IRS filings. She paid H & R Block $85 to file the last five years for herand she did not even have to file, she lived off her SS alone. Anyway We have millions of people who pay private companies because they do not know any better. IRS loves that 'fear me' attitude. Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/