Intuit to Appeal FTC’s ‘Groundless’ ALJ Decision Over ‘Deceptive’ Ads

The FTC’s administrative law judge ruling against Intuit, claiming the company ran deceptive ads, is a “groundless,” predetermined decision that should be reversed by a neutral body, Intuit said in a statement Monday. Chief Administrative Law Judge Michael Chappell ruled Wednesday that the company ran deceptive ads for its “free” tax products (see 2309080054). “No one should be surprised by the FTC’s ruling given it came from an FTC employed judge in a case the FTC brought before itself,” the company said. “You can’t make this stuff up, it’s a flawed system and a groundless ruling. The FTC has ruled in its own favor in nearly every consumer protection case for the last two decades.” Intuit will appeal and is confident it will prevail through neutral review, the company said: “Intuit has always been clear, fair, and transparent with our customers and we remain committed to providing free tax preparation.” A unanimous U.S. Supreme Court ruled in April that district courts have jurisdiction to hear lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of ALJ proceedings at the FTC and other federal agencies (see 2304170062).