Reichert On Tax Day: “It’s time for common-sense tax reform”

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), a member of the House Ways & Means Committee, today released the following statement regarding tax day:

“I’m sure that the countertops and kitchen tables throughout my constituents’ homes have yet again been cluttered with calculators and dozens of tax forms,” Reichert said. “Our tax code is too complex, too time-consuming, and too costly.  Each year, I hear from families that struggle to keep up with the ever-changing code; there were more than 500 changes in 2010 alone.  And our job-creating small businesses across this country, instead of focusing on how to grow and hire workers, have to figure out a way to offset the $74-per-hour average they’re spending on tax compliance.  It’s clearly time for common-sense tax reform that emphasizes simplicity and promotes growth.

“Last week, I joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators to introduce another common-sense tax bill: the tax receipt.  The Taxpayer Receipt Act (H.R. 1527) would provide each American with an itemized tax receipt which shows how their money is being spent by the federal government as well as how much the federal government is borrowing in their name.  I believe the federal government can and should live up to the same accountability and transparency standards observed by the small businesses throughout our communities.”

A sample of what the tax receipt would look like can be seen here.