Direct file and DOGE issues, fear of deportation, belief that the IRS will be dismantled... it's amazing how many different ways the current administration has damaged its revenue streams.
> Waiting to pay: The 1.1% drop in returns so far may be tied to the fact that the number of returns with balances due – as opposed to a refund paid out – has been going up in recent years, said North Carolina-based CPA Jim Buttonow, who worked at the IRS for nearly two decades before going into the private sector.<p>I can see that. If more people owe money as opposed to getting a refund, there is more incentive to pay later. If US govt owes you money, you handed Uncle Sam a 0% loan, and then it makes sense to file as early as possible.<p>This one is interesting:<p>> Refusing to file in protest: Every year, a small number of filers politically object to filing and paying taxes for different reasons. This year is no different.<p>> Olson said someone recently sent her a letter in the mail containing a copy of an angry letter they had sent to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “It said they didn’t want to file their tax return and pay taxes because they were upset that the Trump administration was trying to breach taxpayer confidentiality,” Olson said.<p>That's happening with one of my acquaintances. They canvassed for Harris and were quite upset at the loss. As a form of protest they won't be filing their taxes. I don't know what happens then, I am not bold enough to try it myself. Even if a more friendly administration returns after 4 years, will they be willing to amnesty people who took this route. I wouldn't bet on it, and I don't see millions of people going for that option somehow, either.
IRS' DirectFile hasn't matured yet to the point of accepting health insurance and retirement data; it could only process basic W-2's. At least they made a good effort in it, will try again next year.
I’m aware of some people who _always_ file an extension, but I haven’t pinned them down on why. Does anyone here file an extension in most/all years? Curious the reason.