Complex tax codes confuse lawmakers too

Feeling overwhelmed by the tax code? Don't feel bad, most lawmakers and IRS officials don't understand it well enough to do their own taxes either.

From the Daily Caller:

IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman practically ran away when The Daily Caller asked him whether he prepares his own taxes. Millions of Americans struggling through complicated IRS forms in the weeks leading up to tax day - April 15 - might like to know.

"I don't have time for this ... If you want an interview, you can call my office," he said, speed-walking down an ornate hallway in the Longworth House Office Building. Shulman's spokesman later said he employs an accountant to prepare his tax filings, as does about 60 percent of the country who shell out hundreds or even thousands of dollars each for such services.

What about Rep. Xavier Becerra, a top Democrat on the House Ways & Means Committee?

"No. I have a tax preparer back home who's been doing it for me for many years," he told The Daily Caller. Becerra explains that his finances are more complex - and his tax filings fall under far greater scrutiny - than ordinary Americans who could figure out the forms if they tried.

Perhaps the chairman of that committee, Rep. John Lewis, surely he does his own taxes right?

"Oh no, no, no, no, no. I have an accountant that I've been using for years," Rep. John Lewis said. He said he needs to head home this weekend to fill out paperwork for his accountant.

So did the Daily Caller find anyone on the Hill who prepares their own taxes?

We asked people whether they knew of any lawmakers who do prepare their own taxes. One suggestion was Wyoming Sen. Mike Ezni, a certified accountant. Enzi's spokeswoman confirmed that yes, Enzi is one of the (very) few. [emphasis added]

"Senator Enzi does prepare his own taxes. He believes the federal tax code, which is more than 17,000 pages long and counting, is too complex. He has sponsored several bills to simplify the tax code so taxpayers aren't forced to spend additional money on taxpayer professionals to prepare their taxes," she said.