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John,
Efforts to create a free, simple tax filing system that saves taxpayers time and money are being blocked by corporations trying to protect their bottom line.
For the last 20 years, tax prep corporations like H&R Block and TurboTax have spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress to block the IRS from implementing “Free File,” which would allow U.S. taxpayers to do our civic duty of filing our taxes more easily online.[1]
Free, easy filing is particularly vital for low-income families who otherwise can miss out on important income support such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
Add your name now to fight back against greedy corporations who want to cling to their billions of dollars in profits. Urge the IRS to use new investments, passed last year by congressional Democrats in the Inflation Reduction Act, to create a “Free File” tax system for all U.S. taxpayers.
While Over 70% of taxpayers are eligible for the “Free File” program offered by for-profit tax preparers in partnership with the IRS—only 3% use it.[2] This is because TurboTax and H&R Block make it hard to find the free-file option and instead divert users toward filing options that cost money.[3]
Together, we’re demanding “Free File” be made available to all taxpayers, and that it be run by the IRS, not corporations who manipulate the system to pad their profits.
Thank you for taking action today,
Maura Quint
Campaign Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund
-- David's email --
John,
If you’re like most taxpayers, it probably took you about 13 hours and $250 to file your tax returns this year.[1] That’s because, for the last 20 years, through both overt and covert lobbying efforts, TurboTax and H&R Block have intentionally blocked the IRS from creating an easy-to-use, free online tax return program—in the process wasting American taxpayers’ time and money.[2]
But now, thanks to your efforts, Democrats in Congress and President Biden made a historic multi-billion dollar investment in the IRS over 10 years. This extra money will allow the IRS to crack down on wealthy and corporate tax cheats AND better serve the American public. This includes creating a free, direct filing system that would save taxpayers time and money.
However, under pressure from lobbyists representing greedy corporations, House Republicans have introduced a rider to the annual appropriations bill that would block the IRS from implementing a Free File system for millions of taxpayers.[3]
Sign the petition now urging the IRS to implement a “Free File” system for all U.S. taxpayers and fight back against corporate attempts to cling to their profits at our expense.
A free, easy-to-use tax filing system would also help more working people and families receive the important income supports they are entitled to, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which support millions of working people, children, and families each year. Right now, more than one in five people currently eligible for the EITC fail to claim it.[4]
And, because Black and Latino families disproportionately benefit from the EITC and CTC [5], increased participation in these programs through easier filing would narrow racial income and wealth gaps.
Fight back against corporations seeking to pad their bottom line at the expense of millions of working people and everyday taxpayers. Add your name to urge the IRS to implement “Free File” for all U.S. taxpayers now.
Together, we’re holding greedy corporations accountable and fighting for a tax system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
David Kass
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund
[1] “1040 (AND 1040-SR) INSTRUCTIONS,” IRS, Tax Year 2022
[2] “Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans From Filing Their Taxes for Free,” ProPublica, Oct. 17, 2019
[3] “Republican Financial Services Bill Benefits Scammers, Fraudsters, and Cheaters,” Democrats Appropriations Committee, June 21, 2023
[4] “EITC Awareness Day: Important changes mean more people qualify for credit that helps millions of Americans,” IRS, Jan. 28, 2022
[5] “Disparities in the Benefits of Tax Expenditures by Race and Ethnicity,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, Jan. 20, 2023
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