John Edwards: Let IRS do millions of returns

IDEA RAISED IN CAMPAIGN PODCAST

MIKE BAKER
Associated Press

RALEIGH --Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards wants the Internal Revenue Service to calculate and complete the income tax returns of up to 50 million Americans annually.

In a podcast the campaign will post on its Web site today, Edwards says the U.S. tax code is unnecessarily complicated and full of loopholes that favor the wealthy over the working class.

Under his plan, the IRS would gather tax information for 50 million Americans with relatively simple returns. The IRS would calculate their tax bill or refund, and mail a final report to the taxpayer, who would be able to just sign and return the form. Edwards' campaign estimates it would save taxpayers about 225 million hours annually.

Read more here.

Also see blog.johnedwards.com.