4 ms·
I wish we could apply a UNIX approach here. Everything in text format, simple scripts. 99% of the form-filling-out of taxes is copying and pasting or simple ari
by bo1024 14y ago
I wish we could apply a UNIX approach here. Everything in text format, simple scripts. 99% of the form-filling-out of taxes is copying and pasting or simple arithmetic.
Input: Personal information, deductions, W2s, 1099-Rs, and other relevant forms in standardized ASCII text format.
Script: A python version of form 1040 or whatever you are using.
Output: All relevant columns filled in (amount owed, refund size, etc.)
Time taken each year: < one hour.
- nantes 14y agoI've actually been wanting to write a series of Python classes to encapsulate tax forms and schedules. You know -- for fun. Haven't quite thought the whole thing out yet.
- civilian 14y agoDo you have a way to get in touch? (I'm also a python guy and I just started learning how to create pdfs in LaTeX too. This project is totally do-able.) I'm: pconerly at gmail
- bo1024 14y agoSorry, that sounds awesome, but I don't think I can commit the time or have the expertise to be very useful ... but please see the other replies to my comment! It sounds like http://opentaxsolver.sourceforge.net/ http://opentaxsolver.sourceforge.net/ attempts to address this problem!
- cdjk 14y agoTake a look at OpenTaxSolver: http://opentaxsolver.sourceforge.net/ http://opentaxsolver.sourceforge.net/
- bo1024 14y agoThat looks awesome! What I would really like (in my vision of a perfect world) is that companies would be required to issue W-2s and similar forms already in this text format. But anyway OpenTaxSolver looks really cool and thanks for the link!