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Home 2. News and Events 3. News 4. Press Releases For Release FTC Sues Intuit for Its Deceptive TurboTax "free" Filing Campaign Commission Seeks an Immediate Halt to Intuit's Deceptive Ads for "Free" Products March 29, 2022 Tags: * Consumer Protection * Bureau of Consumer Protection * deceptive/misleading conduct * Finance * Advertising and Marketing * Online Advertising and Marketing * Advertising and Marketing Basics The Federal Trade Commission is taking action against Intuit Inc., the maker of the popular TurboTax tax filing software, by issuing an administrative complaint against the company for deceiving consumers with bogus advertisements pitching "free" tax filing that millions of consumers could not use. In addition, to prevent ongoing harm to consumers rushing to file their taxes, the Commission also filed a federal district court complaint asking a court to order Intuit to halt its deceptive advertising immediately. The Commission alleges that the company's ubiquitous advertisements touting their supposedly "free" products--some of which have consisted almost entirely of the word "free" spoken repeatedly--mislead consumers into believing that they can file their taxes for free with TurboTax. In fact, most tax filers can't use the company's "free" service because it is not available to millions of taxpayers, such as those who get a 1099 form for work in the gig economy, or those who earn farm income. In 2020, for example, approximately two-thirds of tax filers could not use TurboTax's free product. "TurboTax is bombarding consumers with ads for 'free' tax filing services, and then hitting them with charges when it's time to file," said Samuel Levine, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection. "We are asking a court to immediately halt this bait-and-switch, and to protect taxpayers at the peak of filing season." As detailed in the complaint, Intuit engaged in a years-long marketing campaign centered on the promise of "free" services. These ads have run during major events, including the Super Bowl, and have also aired during this year's NCAA Basketball Tournament: Image Turbotax Ad In spite of this advertising, many consumers who took the time to gather their documents, entrust their personal information to Intuit, and begin the filing process found that they could not file their taxes for free. For example, in at least one ad a disclaimer appeared on the screen while an announcer said "That's right, TurboTax Free is free. Free, free free free." This year, consumers whose adjusted gross income is $73,000 or less can use products in the IRS Free File Program, which are offered by several different companies, to file their federal tax return and, in some instances, state tax return, entirely for free. More information about the Free File Program is available at irs.gov/freefile. The Commission is asking a federal court to put an immediate halt to Intuit's false advertising and has also authorized the filing of an administrative complaint alleging that the company's practices are illegal. Both complaints allege that Intuit's practices violate the FTC Act. The Commission vote authorizing the staff to file both the administrative complaint and federal court complaint seeking preliminary relief was 3-1, with Commissioner Noah J. Phillips dissenting. NOTE: The Commission files a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. The case will be decided by the court. The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition and protect and educate consumers. Learn more about consumer topics at consumer.ftc.gov, or report fraud, scams, and bad business practices at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 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Contact Information Contact for Consumers Consumer Response Center 877-382-4357 https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ Media Contacts Jay Mayfield Office of Public Affairs 202-326-2656 Staff Contact Roberto Anguizola Bureau of Consumer Protection 202-326-3284 Frances Kern Bureau of Consumer Protection 202-326-2391 Rebecca Plett Bureau of Consumer Protection 202-326-3664 James Evans Bureau of Consumer Protection 202-326-2026 Related Cases Intuit Inc., In the Matter of (TurboTax) For Consumers Blog: TurboTax's "free" tax prep service: often not free For Businesses Blog: Point of no return: FTC challenges Intuit's "free" filing claims for TurboTax as deceptive Topics Protecting Consumers Return to top Menu Secondary Menu * Report Fraud * Sign Up for Consumer Alerts * Search the Legal Library Main navigation * Enforcement + Cases and Proceedings + Premerger Notification Program + Merger Review + Anticompetitive Practices + Rulemaking + Statutes + Competition and Consumer Protection Guidance Documents + Warning Letters + Consumer Sentinel Network + Criminal Liaison Unit + Recent FTC Cases Resulting in Refunds + Notices of Penalty Offenses + Competition Matters Blog * Policy + Advocacy and Research + Advisory Opinions + Cooperation Agreements + Federal Register Notices + Reports + Public Comments + Studies + Testimony + Policy Statements + International * Advice and Guidance + Consumer Advice + Military Consumer + Consumer.gov + Business Guidance + Competition Guidance + Bulk Publications * News and Events + News + Events + Features + Topics + Data and Visualizations + Stay Connected * About the FTC + Mission + History + Commissioners and Staff + Bureaus and Offices + Budget and Strategy + Careers at the FTC + Contact Footer * Privacy Policy * Policy and Notices * FOIA * No FEAR Act * Office of Inspector General * USA.gov