Taxpayers who speak Spanish at home are receiving much-needed assistance as the tax deadline approaches in the United States. TurboTax, in collaboration with the IRS, has launched a new Spanish language version of its tax software to help the over 40 million Spanish-speaking residents navigate the complex process of filing taxes. This initiative aims to provide a smoother experience for individuals like Maria Purser, who has been helping her elderly Venezuelan parents with their tax returns for years.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there are 68 million residents in the country who speak a language other than English at home, with 42 million of them being Spanish speakers. This language barrier can make understanding complicated tax terms and processes even more challenging. The IRS has historically been slow to cater to non-English speakers, only fully translating the basic Form 1040 with instructions into Spanish in 2020, over four decades after initially providing some information in Spanish.
In recent years, the IRS has made efforts to better serve traditionally underserved taxpayers, including those who are bilingual. The agency now offers 142 tax forms, instructions, and publications in Spanish, as well as a Spanish-language version of its website and mobile app. While progress has been made, there is still room for improvement, as many common tax forms and communication materials are only available in English.
TurboTax has stepped in to fill the gap, offering a full suite of products for filing 2023 returns in Spanish, including software-only, Live-Assist, and full professional tax prep services. By utilizing artificial intelligence for translation, TurboTax aims to provide a more inclusive and accessible experience for Spanish-speaking taxpayers. This bilingual lineup is the result of years of planning and testing by Mark Notarainni, the general manager of Intuit’s Consumer Group, who identified the need for Spanish language services.
Along with the new Spanish language software, TurboTax has also introduced a free bilingual AI-powered chatbot called Intuit Assist to assist users with tax-related questions. While the bot can provide general guidance, it may struggle with more specific or complex inquiries, prompting users to upgrade to speak with a live tax expert for additional assistance. This technology is part of a broader trend of integrating AI into tax preparation services, aimed at making the process more efficient and accessible for all taxpayers.
In addition to TurboTax, other tax professionals like Carlos Lopez, a veteran tax preparer, are utilizing AI to enhance their services and cater to Spanish-speaking clients. Tools like Speechify and Ask A Tax Pro are being used to streamline communication and provide timely answers to tax-related questions. As more taxpayers turn to technology for help with their taxes, the industry is evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and multilingual population, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to navigate the complex world of tax preparation.
