The TurboTax Trap
How the Tax Prep Industry Makes You Pay
ProPublica has long detailed how Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, and other companies have worked against making tax preparation easier and less costly.
Intuit Will Pay Millions to Customers Tricked Into Paying for TurboTax
State attorneys general just reached a $141 million settlement with the Silicon Valley juggernaut. Victims will receive up to $90 each.
Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free
Using lobbying, the revolving door and “dark pattern” customer tricks, Intuit fended off the government’s attempts to make tax filing free and easy, and created its multi-billion-dollar franchise.
FTC Orders Maker of TurboTax to Cease “Deceptive” Advertising
The federal agency, after an investigation prompted by ProPublica’s reporting, blasted Intuit for misleading customers about its “free” tax-filing program and directed the company to take specific steps to fix its ads.
TurboTax Parent Company’s Latest Argument Against Free Tax Filing: It Will Harm Black Taxpayers
Articles published around the country repeat Intuit’s assertion — sometimes almost word for word — that the upcoming IRS pilot program would hurt Black Americans. A researcher whose work is cited by Intuit says the company is misstating her findings.
The IRS Tiptoes Into Offering Free Online Tax Filing — and Possible Competition With TurboTax
In the wake of ProPublica’s reporting on the misleading tactics of the major tax-prep companies, Congress asked the IRS to examine whether it could offer free filing directly with the tax agency. A new pilot program will test the concept.
States Prepare to Send Checks to Consumers Tricked Into Paying for TurboTax
A year after a $141 million settlement with Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, that emerged from an investigation sparked by ProPublica’s reporting, 4.4 million customers will receive compensation.
Inflation Reduction Act Will Require the IRS to Study Free Tax Filing Options
TurboTax maker Intuit has long blocked efforts to create free online tax filing for all, but this sweeping domestic policy bill provides $15 million to investigate how the IRS could implement such a program.
Intuit Will Pay Millions to Customers Tricked Into Paying for TurboTax
State attorneys general just reached a $141 million settlement with the Silicon Valley juggernaut. Victims will receive up to $90 each.
FTC Sues to Stop “Deceptive” TurboTax “Free” Ad Campaign
Following an investigation sparked by ProPublica’s coverage, the Federal Trade Commission is asking a federal court for a restraining order barring Intuit from marketing TurboTax as “free.”
Senate Investigation Criticizes the IRS for Failing to Oversee Free Filing Program
Millions of Americans have spent billions on TurboTax and other tax prep that they shouldn’t have. The Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations recommends the IRS advertise the free filing option.
IRS Reforms Free File Program, Drops Agreement Not to Compete With TurboTax
The changes come after ProPublica’s reporting showed how TurboTax maker Intuit tricked customers into paying for tax prep they could have gotten for free.
TurboTax Tricked Customers Into Paying to File Taxes. Now Several States Are Investigating It.
ProPublica revealed that TurboTax maker Intuit charged millions of Americans for tax filing services they were eligible to receive for free. Now multiple state attorneys general have opened investigations into the company.
Congress Scraps Provision to Restrict IRS From Competing With TurboTax
The change comes after ProPublica highlighted the deceptive marketing practices of Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, and other major tax prep companies.
Senior IRS Leaders Launch Review of Agency’s Partnership With TurboTax and H&R Block
Both the IRS and its inspector general are investigating the partnership with the tax software industry in response to ProPublica’s reporting.
Elizabeth Warren and Other Senators Call for Refunds and Investigations of TurboTax and H&R Block
In letters to the IRS and the FTC, the senators are seeking inquiries into whether the companies have deceived customers and violated restraint-of-trade laws.
Updated: If You Paid TurboTax but Make Under $34,000, You Could Get a Refund. Here’s How.
“I just had to mention ProPublica,” one reader said.
Bill to Limit IRS’ Ability to Offer Free Tax Filing Service Is Getting New Scrutiny
The attention comes after ProPublica reported on the provision.
