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1/ Yesterday, we published a story on how Congress may be about to ban the government from offering free online tax filing for all.
In response, folks around the world took the opportunity to brag about how much easier they have it.
👇 👇 👇
In response, folks around the world took the opportunity to brag about how much easier they have it.
👇 👇 👇
2/ Take Japan for example, where most employees don’t even have to file a tax return.
So, here are all the other places it’s likely cheaper (and easier) to file your taxes:
So, here are all the other places it’s likely cheaper (and easier) to file your taxes:
3/ (By the way, in the US you have @TurboTax @Intuit @HRBlock + others to thank for the legislation. They spent a combined $6.6 million last year lobbying on the issue.)
(Also, if you don’t see your country on this list, by all means: pile on.)
propub.li/2GeKnkx
(Also, if you don’t see your country on this list, by all means: pile on.)
propub.li/2GeKnkx
4/ Ireland
5/ United Kingdom
6/ Australia
7/ Netherlands
8/ Sweden
9/ Norway
10/ Germany
11/ Singapore
12/ Estonia
13/ Canada
14/ Denmark
15/ Finalnd
16/ Spain
17/ Phillipines
18/ South Africa
19/ Mexico
20/ New Zealand
21/ Slovenia
22/ Belgium
23/ In the US, companies like @TurboTax have agreed to offer free tax prep to anyone making less than $66k/yr
But critics point out just 3% of those eligible use the free option, and that companies use it as a marketing tool to upsell paid products. Maybe you’ve noticed this.
But critics point out just 3% of those eligible use the free option, and that companies use it as a marketing tool to upsell paid products. Maybe you’ve noticed this.
24/ The so-called #FreeFileAlliance is composed of companies who have opposed the gov creating an option to make filing taxes easier.
One member told shareholders that a free IRS option “may present a continued competitive threat to our business for the foreseeable future.”
One member told shareholders that a free IRS option “may present a continued competitive threat to our business for the foreseeable future.”
25/ An @HRBlockAnswers spokesperson said the company believes “Free File should be the subject of ongoing improvement, and we are committed to working with all parties to strengthen and improve Free File on behalf of the American taxpayer.”
26/ Free File Alliance Exec Dir. Tim Hugo called it “a great idea when you can provide a great product … to Americans at no cost to the federal government.”
The bill that codifies the IRS/private industry deal passed the House yesterday. It’s being considered in the Senate.
The bill that codifies the IRS/private industry deal passed the House yesterday. It’s being considered in the Senate.
27/ In the meantime, the deadline for filing #taxes (on your own or with programs like @TurboTax) is next Monday, April, 15th.
Here are your actual free options: apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
#TaxesDoneFree
Happy filing!
Here are your actual free options: apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/
#TaxesDoneFree
Happy filing!
28/ Sign up to get @ProPublica’s biggest investigations in your inbox — and don’t worry, it’s *actually* free: propub.li/2G2UY0T
PS: If you’re feeling bad about this situation, don’t worry: chances are you won’t be audited by the IRS.
Unless you live in a poor county, that is:
propub.li/2P2Vb8i
Unless you live in a poor county, that is:
propub.li/2P2Vb8i
