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In the Netherlands the tagline of the tax authorities used to be "we can't make it funnier, but we can make it easier". Most tax forms are online and pre-filled
by janwillemb 6y ago
In the Netherlands the tagline of the tax authorities used to be "we can't make it funnier, but we can make it easier". Most tax forms are online and pre-filled with data they already have. For most people it's probably a matter of minutes.
- systemvoltage 6y agoI prefer the US style actually. The government assumes flexibility, citizen’s responsibility and their ability to challenge their calculations / deductions by default. When that’s not the case, there is 1040-EZ [1] for people who want to simplify. 1040-EZ can be done in 10 mins max. I also enjoy filing taxes. It’s one of those things that allow you to reflect on your work, how you did, optimize the deductions, and get a reward at the end. It’s fun. [1] https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-ez https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040-ez
- timwis 6y agoDon’t forget the state form that you have to do. Add that to your ten minutes and complexity rating.
- da_big_ghey 6y agoImagine having state income tax, couldn't be me. - A Texan
- timvdalen 6y agoNote that you can still do all those things in the Netherlands, you're just comparing the stuff that's already in there to your own documentation. For most people, it's a case of quickly doublechecking all your income/property numbers and then spending some time on items you might be able to deduct.
- c17r 6y agoThe 1040EZ was eliminated in 2018. All you want would still be possible under a system where the govt pre-fills forms. It’s just the 99.9% of Americans who DON’T find it to be fun would get a leg up.
- noahtallen 6y agoFiling taxes is too often ambiguous, which negates the fun