Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Tax Code is TOO Complex

When the IRS Commissioner has to use a professional tax preparer because the code is too complex for him to understand (and presumably too complex to oversee enforcement) he is either a mental lightweight OR the code is too complex. I'm willing to allow that Douglas Shulman is smart enough so I'm thinking the code is too complex. Just how does he oversee fair, equitable enforcement of the code he doesn't understand?

IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman does not file his own taxes in part because he believes the tax code is complex.

During an interview on C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" program that aired on Sunday, Shulman said he uses a tax preparer for his own returns.

"I've used one for years. I find it convenient. I find the tax code complex so I use a preparer," Shulman said.

Pressed on how he would make the tax code simpler, Shulman responded, "I don't write the tax laws. Congress writes the tax laws so that's a whole different discussion."

The IRS this month announced it will be scrutinizing the tax preparer industry. Shulman said the IRS is looking to set "a minimal level of competence in the preparer community."

Later in the C-SPAN interview, Shulman downplayed his use of a tax preparer, saying he has used one for 10 years. He noted that he and President Barack Obama are proponents of simplifying the tax code.

I don't buy that last comment. The POTUS is supporting many pieces of legislation which will create enduring complications to the tax code.

Labels: Politics