Easier tax returns for lower incomes
Re “Second life for state tax program,” Dec. 5
In no way did the state Franchise Tax Board’s vote to approve a voluntary program designed to make tax filing easier for low-income taxpayers constitute “defying” the Legislature. The board’s staff advised that the board has legal authority to implement the ReadyReturn program.
While I and the other two board members support making it easier for taxpayers to file returns, we have no desire to circumvent the Legislature, nor to foreclose its opportunity to oversee the ReadyReturn plan as it is implemented.
The ReadyReturn pilot project proved that it can save taxpayers time, reduce errors and, in the long run, reduce the state’s costs of processing returns. The Legislature has stated clearly that the board should not conduct another pilot project, so it is up to the board to make this option available to all taxpayers who want it. The Legislature will have ample opportunity to review the implementation of the program.
MICHAEL C. GENEST
Sacramento
The writer is director of the state Department of Finance and a member of the Franchise Tax Board.
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