Annie Lowrey examines the impact of government bureaucracy in “The Time Tax”

In her new book, “The Time Tax: How the Government Wastes Our Time — and How to Fix It,” journalist Annie Lowrey examines the administrative burdens imposed on American citizens by government bureaucracy and paperwork.

Lowrey argues that these hurdles create an “extortionate” burden, estimating that Americans spend approximately 12 billion hours annually filling out government forms, which averages to about six workdays per person. The book traces the history of red tape back to the colonial era and the Civil War, suggesting that administrative complexity has historically functioned as a tool for discrimination and exclusion.

The text highlights how these systems can negatively impact vulnerable populations, such as veterans or those living in poverty, who may struggle to navigate complex requirements to access essential services. Specific examples include the difficulties of updating information across different agencies, such as the disconnect between the USPS and the IRS, which can lead to significant financial consequences for taxpayers when critical notices are sent to outdated addresses.