Hey, it's Kate. We have a new reporter on our team. Jessica Mendoza. She's hosting today's episode. Here she is.

I'm curious who taught you how to follow your taxes?

Um, you know, it's, uh... I'm not sure I ever really learned... I learned mostly about taxes from writing about them.

Our colleague Richard Rubin covers US Tax Policy. What is your favorite tax reference in pop culture?

I was listening this morning to a song by the band Cake where they go like, you'll receive the federal funding you can add another wink.

It's like the perfect song to write about taxes to you. It's about where the money comes from and where it goes.

The US Tax System is something everyone loves to hate on.

Sarah, why did you wait until the last minute to pay your taxes?

Because I'm an idiot. Happy?

The US is weird, right? The US, unlike a lot of other countries, has a very complicated income tax system, which makes my job fun.

But I think it's something that people approach with a fair amount of trepidation.

Yes, fun for rich, less fun for the average tax paying American.

Yes, I think we're lucky.

Filing your taxes is probably never going to be fun, and it can also be expensive.

But that might be about to change.

This week, the IRS said it's planning to pilot a new tax filing system.

And if people like it, it could make tax season more bearable and disrupt the tax prep industry.

Welcome to the journal, our show about money, business, and power.

I'm Jessica Mendoza, it's Thursday, May 18th.

Coming up on the show, how the IRS wants to change the way you file your taxes.

Welcome aboard this Air France podcast message.

Air France and its crew invite you to discover its business class cabin, where you can enjoy a full flat bed.

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