Tax day a reminder of the need to simplify filing process

It is tax day today. A little later than the normal April 15 filing deadline as a result of the pandemic. Today’s deadline is another reminder of the need to make it simpler for people to file their taxes. The IRS and Wisconsin’s State Department of Revenue have already made great strides in simplifying the process. Nearly everyone files electronically, and the state of Wisconsin provides a free e-file service that corrects any errors. You can track the status of your refund online and have it directly deposited into your bank account. Pretty user friendly stuff. But the process of filing returns hasn’t gotten any easier. There has been lots of talk of revising the tax codes, but still there are hugely profitable companies in this country which, thanks to how our politicians write the tax rules, pay not a single dollar in tax. There are too many loopholes, and the rules seem to change every year. It is nearly impossible for someone to do their own taxes anymore without seeking professional help. Our lawmakers should follow the lead of the IRS and State Revenue Department and make the whole process of filing our taxes more customer friendly.