INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita says $2.9 million dollars is coming to Hoosier TurboTax users.
The money is part of a nationwide $141 million settlement with Intuit Inc., the company behind TurboTax.
A spokesperson for Rokita's office tells WRTV there were approximately 98,715 affected Indiana transactions. However, those transactions including filings in 2016, 2017 and 2018, so a single customer could have been responsible for up to three of those transactions.
You do not need to make a claim for the money. Here is how the Attorney General's Office says payment will work.
- A settlement administrator will be hired to handle restitution payment
- Intuit will provide the settlement administrator with the list of affected consumers and their last known addresses.
- The administrator will identify current mailing addresses for them and send mail or email to each consumer providing notice of the settlement
- A process by which the consumer can request electronic payment instead of payment by check, if preferred, will be established.
- Checks will be mailed or electronic payments will be made.
- The settlement administrator will send reminders about uncashed checks and re-issue checks as necessary.
Nationwide, nearly 4.4 million taxpayers were affected.
The Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint in March, and the settlement was reached in May.
The attorneys general of all 50 states, including Rokita, signed the settlement, which calls for Intuit Inc. to suspend TurboTax’s “free, free, free” ad campaign and pay restitution.
"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,” the FTC said.
The commission alleged in 2020, for example, approximately two-thirds of tax filers could not use TurboTax’s free product.
As WRTV Investigates reported in January, TurboTax opted out of the IRS Free File program, a public-private program that lets you prepare and file your federal income tax online using guided tax preparation or you can file at an IRS partner site.
Earlier this year, Intuit told WRTV that its $0 Any Way program would allow 60 million people with simple federal and state taxes to file for free.
Several companies offer IRS Free File, but TurboTax and H&R Block no longer participate.
WRTV Investigates Kara Kenney contributed to this report.
-
Gusty winds shake Indiana Friday: Parade changes, road closures and damage
A high wind warning and wind advisory on Friday across central Indiana have impacted Hoosiers with fallen trees, overturned semis and changes at the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Indianapolis.
1 dead, 1 critically injured in shooting on near north side
IMPD reports that two victims are in critical condition following a shooting on the near north side of Indianapolis Friday.
Demolition of long vacant buildings clears way for apartment complex in Indy
Long-abandoned buildings at the corner of 22nd and Meridian Street in Indianapolis are coming down to make way for a new apartment development called M-22.
Concerns about TSA staffing, delays grow as spring break travel ramps up
TSA staffing concerns are growing at airports nationwide, including Indianapolis as a partial government shutdown impacts funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
