News

Intuit responds to U.S. Federal Trade Commission lawsuit

Written by Intuit Blog team
Published Aug 23, 2022 - [Updated Sep 1, 2023]
1 min read

In response to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decision to revive a previously-filed complaint, Intuit reaffirmed that it will continue to vigorously defend itself against the FTC’s allegations. The FTC’s complaint, filed under its administrative process, tells an incomplete and inaccurate story of Intuit’s efforts to provide and advertise free online tax preparation.

“It is disappointing that the FTC staff has chosen to resume its lawsuit, especially in light of Intuit’s settlement with all the state attorneys general, which we believe resolved the core of the FTC’s complaint,” said Kerry McLean, executive vice president and general counsel of Intuit. “We believe in the merits of our case and that a neutral decision maker will conclude that we have been clear and fair with our customers.”

The FTC staff’s decision to restart this litigation comes following the agency’s failed attempt in April 2022 to secure a preliminary injunction against Intuit. It also comes nearly three months after Intuit reached a full and fair settlement with the state attorneys general of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

In the last nine years, Intuit has helped more than 113 million Americans file their taxes free of charge — more than all other tax prep software companies combined. And in the upcoming tax season the company expects millions of tax returns will once again be filed for free using TurboTax.

In its decision to resume administrative proceedings against Intuit, the FTC commissioners were not unanimous.