The text is a transcript of a comedy show by Hasan Minhaj, where he criticizes TurboTax for making tax filing complicated and deceptive. He exposes how TurboTax uses dark patterns, hidden fees, and lobbying to trick people into paying for something that should be free. He also explains how the IRS is underfunded and overwhelmed, and how other countries have simpler tax systems. He ends by highlighting some positive actions that people took during the pandemic and urging people to shape history.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The IRS extended the tax filing deadline to July 15th due to the pandemic.
2. TurboTax is a popular online tax prep software that claims to offer free filing, but often charges customers for services they should get for free.
3. TurboTax uses deceptive tactics such as dark patterns, hidden websites, and misleading ads to steer customers away from the Free File program that the IRS offers in partnership with tax prep companies.
4. TurboTax lobbied against return-free filing, a system where the government would pre-fill tax forms for most taxpayers and make filing easier and cheaper.
5. The IRS has been underfunded and understaffed for decades, making it harder to audit the rich and distribute stimulus checks.
6. TurboTaxSucksAss.com is a website that exposes TurboTax's shady practices and redirects customers to the Free File options.
7. Other countries have simpler and more efficient tax systems than the US, such as Japan, where taxpayers receive a postcard from the IRS with their tax information.
8. Hasan Minhaj is a comedian who hosts a show called Patriot Act on Netflix, where he criticizes TurboTax and other topics.