Tax Reform

You Can Now See the Entire US Tax System in One (Ultra-Complex) Map

You Can Now See the Entire US Tax System in One (Ultra-Complex) Map

As if just thinking about the complexities of the United States tax system wasn't enough to give us a headache, now we can all literally see the maze of our taxes in excruciating detail.

Thanks to the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), the labyrinth of doing one's taxes in the USA—and all the various paths down which that process can lead—is now mapped out for us in one handy chart:

Feel like crying just glancing at it? You aren't the only one. 

Search “Why are taxes so complicated in the US?” and Google will return almost 35 million results. Some complexities of our tax code—particularly pieces of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017—are even continuing to stump tax professionals who have devoted their life's work to helping taxpayers navigate the system.

The TAS exists to help people “resolve tax problems with the IRS and recommend changes that will prevent problems.” With this yearly map, the TAS intends to showcase "the stages of a taxpayer's journey through the tax system" in visual form.

"Anyone looking at this map will understand that we have an incredibly complex tax system that is almost impossible for the average taxpayer to navigate," said National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA) Nina Olson, the leader of the TAS.

So, as a taxpayer in the US, what's the best way to ensure you remain compliant while minimizing your tax bill as much as possible?

Hire a Tax Professional.

If you aren't already a tax pro yourself, it is worth the investment to enlist help from someone whose job it is to understand and accurately apply the countless rules and regulations imposed by the IRS.

There are plenty of resources to help individuals, families, and business owners figure out their own taxes, but let's be honest—the average American (myself included) would probably confuse themselves even more by trying to understand every rule.

For instance, this 14-page document from the IRS is supposed to “help” by breaking down the impacts of tax reform for individuals and families. Does 14 pages of fine print sound like it will simplify things for you? I doubt it.

Plus, choosing the DIY route for your taxes is almost guaranteed to make you miss out on lesser-known deductions and credits that could save you a huge amount on your tax bill. 

While most of us have always agreed that the US tax system is extremely complex, this map—which doesn't even show every step in each process—just goes to show how outrageous it really is.

It's no wonder 72% of small business owners declared accountants, CPAs, and tax professionals to be “very important advisors over other professionals like attorneys, business bankers, insurance agents, and computer consultants” in a recent CountingWorks SMB survey.

No matter your filing status or tax situation for the upcoming filing season, it is highly recommended that you consider hiring a professional instead of going it alone. When you're trying to navigate a maze like the US tax code, it pays to have a knowledgeable guide in your corner.

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Lauren Detweiler

Lauren Detweiler

I am equal parts marketer, traveler, and writer, and I've been doing all three for as long as I can remember. I have spent most of my time since graduating university traveling and working remotely in Africa and Europe. My passion lies in conveying the right messaging to the right people, and being a part of the CountingWorks and TaxBuzz team means I get to do that not only for our company, but for clients across the country as well.

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