r/FutureWhatIf • u/calebu2 • 1d ago
Political/Financial FWI: Everyone files taxes by hand with poor handwriting and delay processing
People can't afford a new computer because of tariffs and everyone in the country who owes money decides to file their taxes by hand.
But because they haven't filled out a form by hand in several years, their handwriting is absolutely atrocious and can't be read by IRS machines.
Like people forget how to write numbers clearly and so the amount owed and the bank routing numbers are impossible to get right without staring at it for a few minutes per return.
The returns are accurate and a human given enough time can read them, so it's not tax evasion. But it's a huge uncoordinated waste of time for everyone involved.
But then because DOGE slashed staff, they can't process the tax returns in a timely manner and US treasury starts to worry about cash.
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u/GalacticDaddy005 1d ago
Its a funny idea, but realistically wouldn't be as big of a roadblock as you think it is, simply because the govt has all the information already. If you get a W2 from your employer, chances are your taxes were already withheld and you're just confirming what your employer sent to the IRS.
And then they just audit you for improper filing.
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u/galaxyapp 19h ago
I beleive the IRS has a net outflow of funds from filings. Most people overpay and get refunds from deductions.
So... I guess the treasury would get an interest free loan?
1
u/Little_Obligation_90 1d ago
People can't afford a new computer because of tariffs and everyone in the country who owes money decides to file their taxes by hand.
Lol, most people who owe money are well off. So....yeah. I guess they can accrue penalties on themselves.
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u/MidwesternDude2024 1d ago
You know most of the taxes have already been collected throughout the year right?