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What is Trump's new department DOGE?
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead the newly formed "Department of Government Efficiency" also known as "DOGE" under Trump's administration. LiveNOW's Andrew Craft discusses what the new department will do with Jon Swartz, a senior writer for TechStrong Group..
WASHINGTON - The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, is reportedly considering creating a mobile app to help Americans file their taxes more seamlessly, according to The Washington Post. While the conversations are said to be in the early stages, the app could represent a significant shift in how Americans interact with the tax system.
Challenges and opportunities in tax filing
Developing a user-friendly app for tax filing comes with challenges, including the complexity of the U.S. tax code and ensuring access to necessary documentation like expenses and deductions. The U.S. Tax Code, which had fewer than 1.5 million words in 1955, has now ballooned to over 16 million, according to DOGE’s official X account.
The complexity has led Americans to collectively spend an estimated 6.5 billion hours annually on tax preparation. DOGE leaders, including Musk, have openly expressed frustration over this inefficiency. Musk recently posted on X, calling for a simpler tax code: "Crazy idea: let's simplify the tax code."
Existing options and the potential impact
Currently, Americans can file taxes online for free through the IRS Free File program, but it is web-based and not optimized for mobile use. DOGE’s proposed app would aim to fill this gap by offering a more streamlined and accessible experience.
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Reports of DOGE’s consideration of such an app have already impacted the market. Shares of companies like H&R Block and TurboTax’s parent company, Intuit, fell sharply on Tuesday, dropping 8.2% and 5.1%, respectively.
DOGE’s broader mission
The proposed app aligns with DOGE’s broader goals of promoting government efficiency, reducing redundancies, and scouring federal programs for cost savings. Ramaswamy has echoed Musk’s sentiments about the need to simplify the tax system and reduce unnecessary complexity.
What’s next for DOGE’s tax-filing app?
It remains unclear whether DOGE will officially pursue developing the app, as the conversations are in preliminary stages. However, its potential launch could dramatically reshape how Americans interact with the tax system.