Hi Reader,
Our spring member drive is over tomorrow, and we are so grateful for the overwhelming show of support since last week. If you’re in a position to do so, I’d love for you to join us and stand up for the ability of independent journalism to hold those in power accountable–no matter how long it takes.
Nine years ago, ProPublica reported on how for-profit tax preparation companies, such as Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, had successfully lobbied to stop the IRS from creating an easy way for millions of taxpayers to file online for free (something many other countries provide). Instead, the IRS struck a deal with these companies to offer their products for free to qualifying taxpayers, while the government pledged not to create its own competing system.
In 2019, as Intuit was lobbying Congress to make this agreement permanent, ProPublica exposed how TurboTax was using deceptive design and misleading tactics to steer low-income filers to paid versions of its service when they were eligible to file for free. This tactic worked. Only a tiny percentage of eligible taxpayers actually used the free products.
Our investigation spurred public outcry, federal and state investigations, lawsuits and more. The IRS announced major reforms to its agreement with the tax prep software industry, including new policies that allow citizens to file their taxes free directly with the IRS. And just last month, the FTC sued Intuit to stop the company from running a series of ads that heavily focus on the word “free,” which the agency called deceptive.
This entire investigation represents how powerful and wide-reaching journalism can be when published in the public interest. And with the public’s support, we’re able to really dig deep and uncover practices that corporations would much rather remain hidden.
Help us continue this critical work by joining us today with your donation of any amount. Journalism for the people is also powered by the people, and we’re counting on you to stand with us.
Thanks,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican
