In every civilized country the government does just invoice you. Unfortunately the US is a corrupt shithole that intentionally makes paying taxes as difficult as possible so that tax preparation companies can profit.

Not even a conspiracy, this was debated in congress. Biden tried to ease the policy but Trump immediately ended it.

Yep it's fucking great living here

Over here the employer just sends the income tax to the government and social insurance money to the insurance.
That you can send the government paperwork to get some back if you have a reason for deduction (children, donations, ...). As I wasn't eligible last time I worked, I just didn't send anything.

If you are self employed or have other income streams than work it's obviously not that simple.

Remember US folks, Intuit (Turbo Tax and Quicken) pays lobbyists to make your taxes harder, so that you may pay them.

Buying products from Intuit helps pay for shittier tax laws.