On Point Accounting & Tax

Mary Taylor wants to reduce the size of state income tax form to a postcard.

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor wants to deliver a “simpler, streamlined, customer-focused tax system” for Ohio taxpayers.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate proposed changes to the state’s tax system on Wednesday in remarks to the tax committee of the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Noting the Kasich-Taylor administration has reduced taxes by about $5 billion over the past six years, Taylor proposed:

‒ Reducing the state income tax form to the size of a postcard. The 2016 individual income tax form could run 11 pages long with 60 pages of instructions and a simpler filing system will save both taxpayers and the state money, she said. Taylor shared no details how that would happen. “Some of the detail of the mechanics will continue to be fleshed out working with stakeholders and other tax experts,” said campaign spokesman Michael Duchesne.

‒ Adjusting income tax withholding tables to allow Ohioans to keep more of their money as they are paid. Current tables withhold about 20 percent more than needed to cover tax liabilities, extending an interest-free loan to the state, Taylor said. Such an adjustment would result in smaller refunds when Ohioans file their taxes.

‒ Changing policies to not punish Ohioans with interest and penalties for tax errors when they make “good-faith efforts” to comply.

We changed our business working hours. !

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina E. Olson recently released her 2016 Annual Report to Congress recommending that the IRS revamp its “Future State” plan to adopt a taxpayer-centric focus, and urging Congress to emphasize simplification when it considers tax reform later this year. In this report, the National Taxpayer Advocate details her vision for a taxpayer-centric 21st century tax administration that focuses on putting the taxpayer first and encouraging compliance through increased service and building trust.