Direct e-file won’t make filing taxes any easier — but it could make things worse

As the Internal Revenue Service contends with a cut of over $21 billion in the debt-ceiling deal, it should focus on cost-efficient ways to maintain and improve our vital taxation system. It should not spend billions to replace vital processes already in existence with a direct e-file system that would compromise a significant portion of taxpayer personal privacy.

The U.S. tax code for individuals may be the most complicated system in the world. Many have long advocated for si...

Direct e-file won’t make filing taxes any easier — but it could make things worse

As the Internal Revenue Service contends with a cut of over $21 billion in the debt-ceiling deal, it should focus on cost-efficient ways to maintain and improve our vital taxation system. It should not spend billions to replace vital processes already in existence with a direct e-file system that would compromise a significant portion of taxpayer personal privacy.

The U.S. tax code for individuals may be the most complicated system in the world. Many have long advocated for si...