Why So Tedious, Taxes?

Few clichés are as well-worn, and grounded in reality, as the dread many Americans feel towards doing their taxes and the loathing they have for the IRS. But as much as the process is despised, relatively little is known about how it could be improved. Pro Publica's Jessica Huseman says that's largely because tax prep companies keep it that way. Brooke talks to Huseman about what an improved system might look like and how tax prep companies work to thwart any such changes.

One of the primary roadblocks to change, says Huseman, is an organization called the Free File Alliance, a public-private partnership whereby private tax companies agree to provide a free service for most Americans in exchange for the IRS not offering any such service itself. Brooke speaks with Tim Hugo, Executive Director of the Free File Alliance, about whether it is really the best way to help American taxpayers.