INC TX-PROHIBIT E-FILING FEES
The introduction of HB 1074 is expected to have a significant impact on the way tax return filing is conducted across Illinois. With increased reliance on electronic filing systems, the bill seeks to promote transparency and fairness by ensuring that taxpayers are not faced with excessive charges. By creating a standardized practice for electronic filing charges, the law could also foster increased compliance among taxpayers, as barriers like hidden fees would be removed. This change might lead to more taxpayers opting for electronic filing, thus enhancing efficiency within the tax processing system.
House Bill 1074 aims to amend the Illinois Income Tax Act by prohibiting income tax return preparers and software companies from charging separate fees for the electronic filing of tax returns. Specifically, this bill establishes that it will be unlawful for tax preparers to impose an extra charge for the electronic submission of returns. Furthermore, it restricts software companies from marketing versions of their tax software that differentiate between those that charge for electronic filing and those that do not. Such measures are intended to eliminate potential confusion and additional costs for taxpayers who file their returns electronically.
While the bill presents benefits, certain points of contention around HB 1074 may arise. Critics could argue that it imposes restrictions on software companies and the services they offer, which could limit innovation within the tax software markets. There may be concerns about how these regulations could affect smaller software companies that rely on fees to maintain their business models. Additionally, some stakeholders may express that imposing penalties for violations could be overly burdensome for tax preparers, particularly those operating in a highly competitive market where pricing flexibility is crucial.