[Dimples]

Sound like you're describing a 1040 form, with Schedules A, B, and C, possibly a Schedule D. Of course if you have rental income you'd need additional schedules. Right. simple.

Except under the FairTax I have no W-2s or 1099s to get my totals from (I have to do that myself.)

If you are capable of performing the accounting gymnastics you outline, then the income tax well within your grasp, and the FairTax will be just as much accounting work (probably more, since there is no summary accounting.

Try some Pepto Bismol ... that might help the sickness ;-)

[kevkrom]

That's a comeback? Most people know what their income is, without having to resort to the financial gymnastics of a 1040 to determine what taxable income is. A simple paystub contains all the information most people need.

Meanwhile, you just described having to go with a handful of forms on top of end-of-year summary statements to even remotely figure out what your taxable income is, let alone how much you actually wind up paying in net taxes.

The Fairtax way is simpler and far more intuitive.