Watchdog says tax law too complex for most filers

WASHINGTON (AP) – The nation’s tax law is so thick and complicated that businesses and individuals spend more than 6 billion hours a year complying with filing requirements. That’s the equivalent of 3 million people working full-time, year-round.

As a result, about 90 percent of filers will either pay a tax preparer or use a computer software service to help with their federal tax returns this spring, according to a report Wednesday by an independent government watchdog.

“The existing tax code makes compliance difficult, requiring taxpayers to devote excessive time to preparing and filing thei...