All articles tagged with #free tax services
The IRS has made its Direct File platform a permanent, free option for filing federal tax returns online, inviting all states to participate next year. The pilot program saw over 140,000 users and received positive feedback, with many taxpayers completing their returns in under an hour. The IRS aims to expand the platform, supported by multi-year funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, while continuing to offer other filing options.
The FTC has issued a final order against Intuit for deceptive advertising of TurboTax as a free service, prompting inquiries about free tax help options. IRS Free File offers guidance for those with an annual gross income of $79,000 or less, while Free File Fillable Forms are available for those making more. Miltax provides free tax software and assistance to servicemembers and veterans, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program aids individuals with lower incomes, disabilities, or language barriers. Additionally, some tax software providers offer free tiers for simpler returns.
The Federal Trade Commission has ruled that Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, must stop marketing its tax-filing services as free unless they are free to everyone or exceptions are clearly disclosed. The commission found that TurboTax's advertising claiming customers could file their taxes online for free was deceptive, as two-thirds of taxpayers were not eligible for the free product. Intuit has been ordered to clearly and conspicuously disclose the percentage of taxpayers who qualify for the free product or service, and the company has stated that it will appeal the decision. This ruling follows a previous settlement in which Intuit agreed to pay back $141 million to more than four million Americans who had been unfairly charged for tax services falsely advertised as free.
The Federal Trade Commission has barred Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, from advertising "deceptive" free tax services, stating that the company's ads for free products were often ineligible for many customers and led them to costly deluxe and premium products. Intuit was ordered to cease advertising any free products unless they are truly free for all consumers or disclose the percentage of eligible users. The FTC's opinion upheld a ruling that found Intuit engaged in deceptive marketing, and the company is appealing the decision in federal court. This comes after Intuit agreed to pay $141 million to customers as part of a settlement with all 50 states' attorneys general over similar complaints.