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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.

Impact of Our Reporting
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The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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 TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.”

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

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.

The TurboTax Trap

Bill to Limit IRS’ Ability to Offer Free Tax Filing Service Is Getting New Scrutiny

The attention comes after ProPublica reported on the provision.

What to Know About TurboTax Before You File Your Taxes This Year

Is TurboTax Free? What About Easy? Not for This Freelancer.

TurboTax Maker Intuit Faces Tens of Millions in Fees in a Groundbreaking Legal Battle Over Consumer Fraud

TurboTax-Maker Intuit Will Leave Free Tax Filing Partnership With IRS

The FTC Is Investigating Intuit Over TurboTax Practices

Justice Department Is Scrutinizing Takeover of Credit Karma by Intuit, Maker of TurboTax

TurboTax and H&R Block Used “Unfair and Abusive Practices,” State Regulator Finds

Millions of Americans Might Not Get Stimulus Checks. Some Might Be Tricked Into Paying TurboTax to Get Theirs.

TurboTax’s Bid to Buy Free Tax Prep Competitor Might Violate Antitrust Law, Experts Say

TurboTax Is Still Tricking Customers With Tax Prep Ads That Misuse the Word “Free”

TurboTax and Others Charged at Least 14 Million Americans for Tax Prep That Should Have Been Free, Audit Finds

The IRS Tried to Hide Emails That Show Tax Industry Influence Over Free File Program

IRS-Funded Review Confirms TurboTax Hid Free Filing From Search Engines, but Says There’s No Need for Major Changes

Trump’s Tax Law Threatened TurboTax’s Profits. So the Company Started Charging the Disabled, the Unemployed and Students.

TurboTax Uses A “Military Discount” to Trick Troops Into Paying to File Their Taxes

Intuit CEO in Internal Video: Hiding Free TurboTax Was In “Best Interest of Taxpayers”

Did You Pay to Use TurboTax? Help Us Hold the Tax Prep Industry Accountable.

New York Regulator Launches Investigation Into TurboTax Maker Intuit and H&R Block

Listen to TurboTax Lie to Get Out of Refunding Overcharged Customers

TurboTax and H&R Block Saw Free Tax Filing as a Threat — and Gutted It

Have You Worked at Intuit or Another Tax Prep Company? Know Something About TurboTax? We’d Like to Hear From You.

Here Are Your Stories of Being Tricked Into Paying by TurboTax. You Often Need the Money.

Si le pagó a TurboTax, pero ganó menos de $34,000, podría obtener un reembolso de la siguiente manera.

Así es como TurboTax lo engañó para que pagara por la declaración de sus impuestos

TurboTax Deliberately Hid Its Free File Page From Search Engines

Here’s How TurboTax Just Tricked You Into Paying to File Your Taxes

Congress Is About to Ban the Government From Offering Free Online Tax Filing. Thank TurboTax.

Why Are Millions Paying Online Tax Preparation Fees When They Don’t Need To?

Filing Taxes Could Be Free and Simple. But H&R Block and Intuit Are Still Lobbying Against It.

TurboTax Maker Linked to 'Grassroots' Campaign Against Free, Simple Tax Filing

Republicans and Dems Come Together — to Keep IRS From Competing with TurboTax

How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing