On Tax Day, Democrats press TurboTax

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Intuit Monday pressing the company on its “shady business practices,” citing “deceptive” advertising for TurboTax’s “free” tax filing.

 

The Democrats slammed Intuit over “extensive lobbying” and “revolving door hires” to keep “these Free File scams.”

 

The letter follows a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in March over the program. The FTC alleged the company deceived consumers with “bogus” advertisements for free tax filing.

 

“This action is both welcome and long overdue,” the Democrats wrote in the letter to Intuit, asking the company to respond to detailed questions on the program by May 2.

 

The company’s response: Intuit spokesperson Derrick Plummer said in a statement the company is reviewing the letter from congressional Democrats and will respond.

 

“We are clear and fair with our customers and open and transparent about our advertising practices, and our participation in the Free File program was done in compliance and with the oversight of the IRS,” Plummer added.