Intuit Still Fighting Government Tax Software

Back in January we discussed Intuit's opposition to California's free, convenient software to file tax returns. TechDirt noticed a recent article in the LA Times about Intuit's continued lobbying efforts to get rid of those programs. Quoting: "Most importantly, Intuit is offering nothing that California doesn't already have. The state has arranged with other tax software providers to do exactly what Intuit proposes: Help low-income folks fill in and file state and federal returns for free — although Intuit refuses to participate. It apparently only wants in on this deal if the state knocks out its free programs, thereby creating a larger potential paying customer base for TurboTax. Not surprisingly, Intuit has been greasing the wheels in order to try to sell its scheme in California. Since 2005, public filings indicate that Intuit has spent $1.25 million on lobbyists in the state. Over the same period, it contributed an additional $2.12 million to statewide campaigns, including more than $1 million to state Sen. Tony Strickland (R-Thousand Oaks), a ReadyReturn foe who is running for state controller. In all, Intuit has doled out cash to nearly 120 politicians. The impact has been clear, even if Intuit hasn't gotten its way — yet. As documented in The Times, in 2009 California Republican legislators held back their votes on 20 bills in an attempt to do the corporation's bidding and force the abolition of ReadyReturn and CalFile. They didn't succeed in killing the tax programs, but they did kill funding for domestic violence shelters, police and fire departments, and prevention of swine flu outbreaks."

Who's fighting?

[johnhp]

I read that as "Inuit still fighting tax software" and had prepared myself for an amazing story of Eskimo software standards. Imagine my disappointment.

Re:Huh?!

[Shakrai]

Repeat this over decades and you get a tax code that reads like the source code of Windows Vista.

Best. Analogy. Ever.

Re:Huh?!

[Reginald2]

I guess you're right. Candy bars are the real political currency in this country. All that campaign crap is just a smoke screen. 1 Snickers is worth 1 electoral vote.

It's really a sad state of corruption fueled by the American Dental Association.

Re:Huh?!

[shadowrat]

you get a tax code that reads like the source code of Windows Vista.

This explains why the 1040 form asks if you want to be allowed to answer the next question so often.

Not all bad.

[Toonol]

"but they did kill funding for domestic violence shelters, police and fire departments, and prevention of swine flu outbreaks."

At least, through a perfect storm of corruption, it ended up that the Republicans acted fiscally responsible.