April 15th is only 4 days away. This year about 60% of the tax returns processed by the IRS will be signed by a paid preparer, up from about 45%. In 2006, some 82 million returns out of 136 million were done by a paid preparer. During that time, the tax code grew from about 20,000 pages to 70,000 pages.

Lets all give thanks to the United States Congress and a line up of presidents who have created a tax code so complex that computer programs can't even handle.

Since 2000, the tax code has been amended 29 times,  generating more than 2,000 significant changes. During most of the Bush administration major tax overhauls were an annual affair. This has added a mountain of complexity. The Bush and Obama stimulus packages have raised complexity issues further.

What is needed? How about a dramatic simplification of the tax code followed by a newfound commitment of Congress and presidents to leave it alone! This is a tall order to be sure. Congress hasn't even tried to simplify taxes since 1986. But Obama was elected on themes of hope and change. We hope he can change the tax code.

While lawmakers are at it, they should greatly simplify the corporate tax code. Doing so would allow companies to focus more on their businesses and less on tax avoidance.

Tax simplification would make life much easier for everyone in the days leading up to April 15th. Taxpayers would gain money and time, which could used for more productive pursuits. Perhaps in plastics.

We welcome your views and encourage questions and comments. By posting a comment, you affirm that you are 13 years of age or older. Please contact us at www.minocquamortgage.com or marcia@minocquamortgage.com