Why Tax Software Companies Are Fighting “Return-Free Filing”

What if instead of hiring a tax preparer or using tax software you have to pay for, the government would do your taxes for you for free? This free alternative is called “return-free filing,” and is an idea that’s been floating around for decades, endorsed by presidents like Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. So why doesn’t it already exist? One answer: The tax software companies want you to continue paying them, and argue that the government would do a poor job of saving you money. ProPublica has the story.

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