Is the tax system unfair because it is so complicated?

Question

I'm still preparing my taxes from 2005. My state tax form (New York) not only requires that I use my federal tax infomation - meaning that I must prepare that first - but the form itself is four pages long. It requires, apparently in my case, the submission of three other documents as well. It is taking me quite a long time to prepare my taxes. And I, like countless other Americans, do not fully understand the tax system; it's way too complicated. Here's the question: Are we ultimated victimized by that which we do not understand? And if so, what does this say about our current tax system. (People who have never prepared taxes, please do not respond.)

Answer 1

I think a flat tax might be something worth considering.

Answer 2

I do not find the tax system complicated at all, and never really have. I always do my own taxes with no problems at all. I majored in Finance, but am seriously considering going back to take the CPA exam. Maybe you should hire a CPA to do your taxes that understands what theyre doing. Some people are better at things than others. So, to pay someone to do your taxes for you may be the best thing.

Answer 3

Tell me about it. I decided to take the tax law concentration at law school and you wouldn't believe how confusing it was. I vowed to never touch taxes again, aside from paying them each year. But I've found that your average tax return isn't all that complicated. However, your taxes might be complicated because you might have your own small business or you're involved in complicated offshore investments. However, the majority of income taxes are straightforward. When you get into the realm of estate and gift taxes, estate planning, trust creation, and transfers of wealth... well there is a reason why insurance doesn't pay out on suicides.

Answer 4

I do not think so, but I am an accountant. If you are having that much trouble with taxes, maybe you need a tax expert. The
tax programs you can download or buy from Internet makes it possible for over 80% to file on line & easy - they understand & you just have to answer the questions.

Answer 5

I would say that for the AVERAGE person preparing the AVERAGE tax return, no....it's not all that complicated, IF S/HE MAINTAINS THE PROPER RECORDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

But, once you get into corporate taxation, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, and inheritance issues, then, whew....yeah, you've definitely got a point there. That kind of stuff makes even the most detail-oriented of us attorneys go cross-eyed!!!

Answer 6

First, it is unfair because we are paying an income tax. Think about it, you are getting fined because you are working. You get fined because you speed, steal, cheat, and work!

Second, it is unfair because confusing.