Why companies want a convoluted tax system

I can see why companies in the "tax preparation" service are reluctant to just let the government figure things out:

  • Fee for the software (because navigating the tax code is for chumps).
  • Fee for the state versions (because just filing federal is for chumps)
  • Fee for e-filing the state version (because the state thinks paper is for chumps).
  • Fee for using a credit card for paying large tax bill (because carrying around a large wad of cash for paying the govt. is for chumps).

No wonder they want lobbyists to ensure that the tax code isn't changed.