Ah, tax season. Though certainly not everyone’s favorite time of year, filing a tax return is perhaps the most notable interaction with the Federal Government that nearly every working American experiences. As those in public service design know, sometimes one interaction is all you get – and whether that interaction is positive or negative can greatly shape the public’s perception of and trust in government.
So, it stands to reason that building a simpler, more straightforward tax system (and making filing easier) for individuals makes sense. And yet, the US tax code has only become more complex in the past few decades. In response to this, a sizable industry of tax preparation software has arisen to, ostensibly, simplify the filing process. In 2021, 90% of US filers did so electronically, which means that the vast majority of Americans are navigating a commercial marketplace in order to facilitate a government interaction that is legally required.
Is there a better way? To discuss this question, The Buzz is joined by Beverly Moran, Professor Emerita at Vanderbilt Law School, who has written extensively about the US tax code.
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Intro/Outro Music: Focal Point/Young Community
Courtesy of Epidemic Sound