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time to take meaningful action to simplify our current tax system and create a process that is fairer to American taxpayers. This is why I was proud to recently cosponsor legislation that is a step in the right direction.
• The Seniors' Tax Simplification Act of 2013 would replace current tax filing procedures that create unnecessary paperwork for senior citizens with one simple form. This bill would create a new 1040SR form, much like the 1040EZ, to allow for easier filing when including income from Social Security benefits, investments, retirement plans, annuities and capital gains and interest.
• I think of people like my grandma, Arlys, and other seniors who have worked for decades and shouldn't have to spend hours in front of a computer or money on a tax service for a process that can feasibly be boiled down to a single form. More often than not, the federal government has a tendency to make life more complicated for families, but this is one way we can offer just a little bit of reprieve to seniors during tax season.
• While I continue to support comprehensive tax reform which would make it easier for all taxpayers, this common-sense legislation for our seniors is a good place to start.
• Our tax system is broken and too complicated. It represents a continuation of the tax-and-spend policies from Washington that are not the answer. A simpler tax system will put our country back on a path to create jobs and put more cash back into the pockets of hardworking South Dakotans.
• I also want South Dakotans to know of a recent announcement from the Internal Revenue Service. Due to widespread power outages from the recent winter storms, the IRS will be providing penalty relief to anyone who was unable to file their taxes on time due to these storms. If you receive a penalty notice in the mail, please contact the IRS or my office and we would be glad to assist.