I believe you, but how do you really know? This income tax system is stacked against those taxpayers who cannot or do not, for whatever reason, work hard to identify tax avoidance measures that apply to them.
I just do not see why it is such a pain for many.
Sadly, it is a pain for most people.
Most of the same things the IRS asks for are the same things you need to know to run a good business or even have a solid family financial plan.
Not quite. Financial reporting for a business is similar to what is required for income tax reporting, but different enough to cause huge headaches. And, financial planning (personal, family, estate) requires data that differ considerably from what the IRS wants.
Look, I am a tax accountant. I have completed and filed a great many more income tax forms for individuals, businesses, trusts, and estates than I care to remember. Believe me, for most people, filing income tax returns is a burden, and we really need to figure out how to eliminate it.
I am certain because I study and read. I also have an accountant who was in IRS enforcement for 10 years. I started minimizing my tax burden through specific means over 20 years ago. As far as items required by the IRS and items important to business we can disagree. I learned my business operation philosophy from Wharton programs - they have served me well.