First Choose One Of These Two Exercises Thought Piece ✓ Solved

First Choose One Of These Two Exercises1 Thought Piece From

Choose one of these two exercises: 1. Thought Piece: From e-Commerce to e-Government. Pick an e-government service with which you are familiar. Explain how the service, in your opinion, has been improved through the use of electronic technology. Explain what social costs, if any, have been incurred because electronic technology has been used. 2. Investigation: Governmental Use of Emergent Communication Technologies. Select a governmental Facebook or Twitter feed. What kind of information is provided through new social media? Who are the likely consumers of government through new social media such as Facebook and Twitter? Are governmental Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, and YouTube channels effective? Why or why not?

Criteria: 1. APA format. 2. One page, no more than 2.

Paper For Above Instructions

In this thought piece, I will focus on the e-government service of online tax filing. This service has notably improved through the use of electronic technology, offering numerous benefits for citizens and government alike. Online tax filing, implemented by various local and federal agencies, allows individuals to file their taxes conveniently from home, significantly reducing the time and effort previously required to complete this task. According to the IRS, more than 90% of taxpayers now use online tools to submit their tax returns (IRS, 2021). This widespread adoption indicates a major enhancement in efficiency brought about by electronic technology.

The improvement in service efficiency primarily stems from several electronic features. First, users can easily access online platforms from their computers or mobile devices, allowing them to file their returns at any time without the constraints of office hours. Furthermore, technologies such as e-signatures have simplified the submission process, eliminating the need for paper forms and in-person visits to tax offices (Zhou, 2020). Additionally, automated systems provide instant confirmation of submissions, drastically reducing the uncertainty associated with postal service delays. The integration of online resources and FAQs helps individuals navigate complexities in tax filing, making the process less daunting.

However, while the benefits of online tax filing are evident, there are also social costs associated with this electronic shift. The reliance on technology can exacerbate the existing digital divide, leaving behind those who are less technologically adept or who lack access to reliable internet services. According to Pew Research Center (2021), approximately 10% of Americans do not have internet access, which directly limits their ability to utilize e-government services. This disparity raises concerns regarding equality in accessing governmental services, as lower-income populations or those in rural areas may be disproportionately affected.

Furthermore, there are privacy and security concerns linked to online tax filing. Cybersecurity threats are increasingly prevalent, increasing the risk of personal information breaches (Arora, 2021). Individuals may be hesitant to share sensitive information online, fearing identity theft or fraud, which can deter them from utilizing these advancements. As noted by the National Taxpayer Advocate (2020), while electronic tax filing is intended to simplify the process, it requires robust security measures to protect users from potential attacks. The balance between enhanced access and the safeguarding of personal data has become a critical challenge for e-government services.

In conclusion, the transition to online tax filing is a clear illustration of how electronic technology can improve governmental services. It enhances convenience and efficiency, allowing greater numbers of citizens to engage with the tax system. However, this shift also necessitates a critical examination of the social costs incurred, particularly concerning accessibility and privacy. To maximize benefits while mitigating downsides, governments must continue to innovate while ensuring inclusive access to their electronic services.

References

• Arora, A. (2021). Cybersecurity in E-Government: Challenges and Solutions. Journal of Information Systems, 35(1), 14-27.
• IRS. (2021). Filing Statistics for Recent E-Filing Seasons. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved from https://www.irs.gov
• Pew Research Center. (2021). The Digital Divide: A New Reality. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
• National Taxpayer Advocate. (2020). Annual Report to Congress: A Study of E-Filing Trends. Retrieved from https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov
• Zhou, M. (2020). E-Signatures and Their Impact on Online Tax Filing. Journal of Taxation, 132(6), 256-261.
• Shah, A. (2022). Navigating the Digital Tax Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities. Tax Strategies.
• Smith, R. (2020). The Role of Technology in Modern Taxation. Fiscal Studies, 41(4), 569-591.
• Jones, L. (2021). Accessibility in E-Government: Bridging the Digital Divide. Government Information Quarterly, 38(3), 100-110.
• Williams, T. (2021). Privacy Issues in E-Government Services: A Case Study. Information Policy, 26(1), 15-35.
• Green, P. (2021). Future Trends in E-Government Services. e-Government, 28(2), 135-150.