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John,
This week, we learned that tax prep corporations like H&R Block have been handing taxpayers’ sensitive information over to Facebook and Google for years, in a major breach of trust:[1]
They’ve gotten their hands on the personal information of millions of Americans because they’ve cornered the tax preparation market. For decades, they’ve successfully blocked the IRS from implementing a free, easy-to-use tax filing program—forcing taxpayers to instead use paid options that cost, on average, $250 each year.[2][3]
Now, thanks to the multi-billion-dollar investment enacted last year by President Biden and congressional Democrats as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS finally has the resources to create a “Free File” online system that could save taxpayers time and money. But House Republicans have proposed blocking implementation of “Free File.” And a committee vote is expected on their proposal in the next two weeks.
We’re fighting back against greedy tax prep corporations that charge us hundreds of dollars each year and then turn around and sell our information to further pad their profits. Donate today to defeat the House Republican plan to destroy “Free File.”
The vast majority of American taxpayers would gladly utilize Free File software provided by the IRS. A recent poll found that 72% of taxpayers were “very” or “somewhat” likely to use Free File.[4]
This wouldn’t just save everyday taxpayers time and money. It would also provide a boost to working people and communities of color.
Right now, one in five people currently eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) fail to claim it.[5] Free File would help more people claim the important income supports they’re entitled to, including the EITC and the Child Tax Credit (CTC), supporting millions of working people, children, and families each year.
Fight back against greedy tax prep corporations and the Republican plan to protect their profits. Donate today to stop GOP attempts to kill Free File.
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your secure donation will go through immediately:
Together, we’re fighting for a tax system that works for everyday people, not just the rich and greedy corporations.
David Kass
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund
[1] “Tax prep companies shared private taxpayer data with Google and Meta for years, congressional probe finds,” CNN, Jul. 12, 2023
[2] “Inside TurboTax’s 20-Year Fight to Stop Americans from Filing Their Taxes for Free,” ProPublica, Oct. 17, 2019
[3] “1040 (AND 1040-SR) INSTRUCTIONS,” IRS Tax Year 2022
[4] “GOP House Bill Would Hobble IRS, Bar Funding For Free Direct-File Tax Returns System,” Forbes, Jun. 23, 2023
[5] “EITC Awareness Day: Important changes mean more people qualify for credit that helps millions of Americans,” IRS, Jan. 28, 2022
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