IRS Tried to Hide Emails That Show Tax Industry Influence over Free File Program (propublica.org)

Article summary

The IRS has allowed the tax preparation industry to influence the rules of the Free File program, which aims to provide free tax filing to most Americans. Emails obtained by ProPublica show that the IRS tried to hide documents related to the program and that the tax preparation industry has had significant input in shaping the program. The program has been declining in recent years, with less than 3% of eligible Americans using it. The IRS has been criticized for its handling of the program and its relationship with the tax preparation industry.

Main themes

• tax preparation industry influence
• IRS transparency
• Free File program effectiveness
• government-private sector collaboration
• regulatory capture

What commenters say

• The IRS is incompetent and should not be responsible for creating a tax filing system, instead letting private companies handle it.
• The government should provide a simple and effective tax filing system, similar to those found in other countries, rather than relying on private companies.
• The tax preparation industry, particularly Intuit, is corrupt and has too much influence over the IRS and the Free File program.
• The IRS is to blame for the problems with the Free File program, rather than the tax preparation industry, as they have the power to create and enforce regulations.
• Private companies can provide better services than the government, and the IRS should focus on its core responsibilities rather than trying to provide additional services.
• The revolving door between government and private industry leads to regulatory capture and undue influence by companies like Intuit.
• The Free File program is flawed due to the complexity of the tax code, rather than any inherent issue with the program itself or the IRS's handling of it.