IRS Commissioner Uses Professional Tax Preparer

The internal revenue codes is so mind-numbingly complex that even the head of the IRS uses a professional tax preparer. But that's hardly a surprise. What is a bit shocking, though, is that Commissioner Shulman has the gall to claim that he favors tax code simplification when his IRS has been promulgating rules and regulations to make the tax system even more onerous and oppressive. The Hill has the details of Shulman's confession:

During an interview on C-SPAN's "Newsmakers" program that aired on Sunday, Shulman said he uses a tax preparer for his own returns. "I've used one for years. I find it convenient. I find the tax code complex so I use a preparer," Shulman said. Pressed on how he would make the tax code simpler, Shulman responded, "I don't write the tax laws. Congress writes the tax laws so that's a whole different discussion." ...Later in the C-SPAN interview, Shulman downplayed his use of a tax preparer, saying he has used one for 10 years. He noted that he and President Barack Obama are proponents of simplifying the tax code. Shulman said about 60 percent of Americans use tax preparers and another 20 percent use software to file their returns.