I've been running a small bakery for three years, and tax season always makes me question whether the current tax code actually rewards small business owners or just punishes us for not having a team of accountants. Last year I spent over 200 hours just on paperwork and compliance—time I could have spent perfecting recipes or training staff. Cash flow is tight for most independents, and the complexity of deductions for everything from equipment depreciation to health insurance feels like it's designed for corporations, not us. Do you think the tax system truly supports small business growth, or is it just a maze that pushes us toward hiring expensive experts?