Tax Law

Newly Released Game Prepares Simple Tax Returns While Going On A Date

Search for deductions while searching for love.

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Tax 1099 Misc formAs someone who is interested in taxes and games, I can’t imagine a game, program, or app that could make filing tax returns fun. One company gave it a shot with “Tax Heaven 3000.”

It is a free-to-play game made by MSCHF. Their prior masterpieces include the game “Chair Simulator,” so I will be expecting something just as exciting.

The game has an anime-style setting and features a character named Iris, whose dream is to meet that special someone … and file their tax return. She wants to search for deductions while searching for love.

While the game does not connect to the internet, I did not feel comfortable downloading it without taking protective measures. But Kelly Phillips Erb over at Forbes took one for the team and tried it out for herself. There are also several playthrough videos on YouTube such as this one. So my review and opinion will be based on observations.

You start the game by randomly meeting Iris on the street. After some small talk, she agrees to meet at a coffee shop. When you next meet, she asks you some very personal questions, including your social security number.

You then have a second date at an office where you disclose your W-2 information, such as income and taxes withheld. Your third date is at a library where the two of you discuss some additional deductions, education tax credits, and estimated tax payments.

The final date is in Iris’ room, where you score … a copy of your completed tax return prepared by Iris.

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The game’s storyline is fictional and is not meant to be taken seriously. It asks for the same information any tax software or professional would ask. But some would find it amusing that it would take four quick dates to finish a simple return. In real life, a simple tax return would be done in a few hours. Also in real life, if someone asked for your personal information on a first date, chances are your date is trying to scam you or steal your money.

“Tax Haven 3000“ is only meant for “simple” tax returns. It appears to provide accurate tax returns for people with W-2s, interest income, and unemployment income. It also seems to be knowledgeable on education credits and IRA deductions. So if you have self-employment or rental income, Iris will ghost you.

Also, the game has some practical limitations. It does not prepare state tax returns, which can be problematic for the majority of Americans who live in states with their own income tax systems. Also, it does not e-file tax returns, which means they must be mailed. Most simple returns usually result in refunds. So taxpayers usually want their returns e-filed with direct deposit so they can get their refunds in a few weeks. If they are mailed, it could take months before they receive their refunds.

Lastly, there is the matter of security and privacy. As mentioned earlier, I did not download “Tax Heaven 3000” because it raised several red flags for me. MSCHF seems to have no history of preparing tax software or any software that involves the protection of sensitive personal information. In fact, one of their products is called “ATM Leaderboard“ where it publicly tracks and ranks the bank balances of everyone who uses it. This may explain why the game was pulled from the Steam platform soon after it was released.

So is “Tax Heaven 3000“ an artistic critique of the tax system? The names are connected to taxes. Iris sounds a lot like IRS. Another character in the game is called Turbo who I assume is a parody of TurboTax although I have not seen him in the game. The title Tax Heaven sounds like the term “tax haven” although the game does not provide any tax planning advice. Even the company name MSCHF is derived from the word mischief. The game is also free which could be a critique of the lack of adequate free filing programs available. And its manifesto throws a lot of shade at TurboTax, stating that its loading animations are fake graphics, and lobbies the government to make tax return filing a complicated process while other wealthy countries make tax filing free.

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For those who want more, there is an “X-Rated Patch” on the website although it will lead to disappointment. It leads to a long-winded story which I did not bother to finish after a few paragraphs.

There is also a collector’s edition that comes with a box, instruction manual, CD case and a full-size body pillow. It is currently sold out, although I have yet to see someone showing it off online. Perhaps the company is following the Ferrari business model.

“Tax Heaven 3000“ seems more like performance art trying to make a statement. Its somewhat raunchy setting, limited features, and privacy concerns would only make it useful for a very small group of people. While you can’t beat the price, you get what you pay for. In the meantime, I’ll be waiting for more practical tax themed games such as “Organize Your Receipt Shoebox” and “Is This Expense Personal Or Business?”

Steven Chung is a tax attorney in Los Angeles, California. He helps people with basic tax planning and resolve tax disputes. He is also sympathetic to people with large student loans. He can be reached via email at stevenchungatl@gmail.com. Or you can connect with him on Twitter (@stevenchung) and connect with him on LinkedIn.

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