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> Back when it existed, less than 20% of people filed a 1040-EZ (the simplest tax form). That means you need something beyond just "plug in the numbers from the

> Back when it existed, less than 20% of people filed a 1040-EZ (the simplest tax form). That means you need something beyond just "plug in the numbers from the W-2" for the vast majority of tax filers. Or it means that lots of people who qualified to use the 1040-EZ didn't know about it. Or it means that lots of people who qualified to use the 1040-EZ kept on filing 1040s because that's what they were used to doing. Or it means that lots of people who qualified to use the 1040-EZ were using tax software that just generated a 1040 for everyone, regardless of their eligibility to use the 1040-EZ. Etc.

harryh 8y ago
The IRS releases aggregated information on what % of people take various deductions or use various aspects of the different tax forms. This information does not support your various alternative hypotheses. For the record any of the following disallowed someone from using the 1040-EZ - being over the age of 65 - having any dependents/children - making over 100k in income - claiming any deductions at all It was a very limiting form.
- jtuente 8y ago
  Adding one more - claiming EITC