I'm an accountant, and have prepared taxes for a living in the past. I've already done my taxes this year. I will be doing my parent's taxes, which are fairly complicated and will take me, with the software, at least 16 hours to complete. I can do an average wage-earners return in about 30 minutes. Two close friends asked for my assistance, which I will give. They will also get an extensive lesson in taxes which will hopefully leave them able to do their taxes next year. I'll help my sister if she asks, but she's a student and can get them done for free. I use tax software. Just because I can do it on paper doesn't mean I want to. I have better things to do with that time.
The tax prep software, paid or free, are a godsend. Anyone who disses them really is being a jerk. Just because you think it's easy doesn't mean it is. Just about everyone I know who's not trained is afraid of the IRS and doing their taxes. You want to see panic? Watch the average person get a letter from the IRS. (If they read any finance related website on a regular basis, they're not average.)
I can not tell you how many highly educated, perfectly competent people I know who turn into a puddle of uncertainty and fear when faced with the prospect of dealing with taxes. Those with less education are generally even worse off. Not even filling out a 1040, but just getting tax forms in the mail! Yes, it would really help if people were taught at least the basics. But they're not, and it's pretty much impossible to make sense of a tax return if you don't know what the terms at least mean. Most people are too intimidated by taxes to even try to self-educate.
So next time you feel superior, please remember that we are members of a very elite club. Have some humility, compassion, and understanding for the vast majority of people out there, and shut up about it being easy. Then offer the suggestion to try one of the tax prep softwares out there, and maybe even your assistance.
Ok, rant done.