Leading Financial Empowerment FinTech Truebill Becomes Rocket Money

Leading Financial Empowerment FinTech Truebill Becomes Rocket Money

“We have been able to help consumers save hundreds of millions of dollars as Truebill, now, as Rocket Money, our members will have easier access to home loans, real estate services, personal loans and more all through a closer connection with our sister companies,” said Haroon Mokhtarzada,” co-founder and CEO of Rocket Money.  

Rocket Companies is focused on being the best at creating certainty in life’s most complex moments so its clients can live their dreams. Truebill, soon to be Rocket Money, builds a relationship with consumers by helping improve their financial lives. Beyond the core services of canceling subscriptions and creating budgets, Rocket Money will connect with the rest of the Rocket Platform, enhancing the consumer experience by offering the right products at the right time – from a new car to a new home or the ability to power their home with solar panels. 
For an immediate benefit to clients on the Rocket platform, the company will provide a free premium account upgrade for all Truebill members who already have a home loan serviced by Rocket Mortgage. Going further, all of Rocket Mortgage’s 2.6 million serviced clients will receive a free premium Rocket Money account for the life of their loan. A premium account provides automated subscription cancellations, advanced budgeting, full credit reporting, smart savings accounts, net worth tracking and many more services.To provide a streamlined connection to other Rocket services, Truebill recently added single sign-on capabilities. Consumers who are managing their financial lives with Truebill can use the same account they already have for Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Loans, Rocket Auto or Rocket Solar. Alternatively, those who are new to the Rocket ecosystem can create an account with Rocket Money, then use that same account across Rocket.”During times of high inflation, the services Rocket Money provides become even more valuable to its members. The savings that consumers achieve when Rocket Money helps negotiate their bills or cancel recurring subscription fees can make a significant difference when every dollar counts,” said Jay Farner, Vice Chairman and CEO of Rocket Companies. “Additionally, the relationships we build and the insights we get through Rocket Money enable Rocket Companies to create bespoke experiences for our clients – ensuring we are offering the right products at the right time.”Truebill was founded in 2015 by brothers Haroon, Yahya and Idris Mokhtarzada when they realized they were paying for subscriptions they were no longer using – and knew they couldn’t be the only ones with this problem. In the years since, the services offered expanded to become a full personal finance management tool.The Truebill website and mobile app will change to Rocket Money in August. The new brand may start appearing in marketing, social media and other company messaging before the official change. In addition to the name, the rebrand will come with a refreshed design that aligns with other Rocket brands.Continuing its rapid growth, Truebill increased its member base to 3.4 million users as of the first quarter of 2022 which is up 142% the from the first quarter of 2021. Among those 3.4 million members, 1.7 million are premium paying members – more than double the number from Q1 2021.The company currently analyzes $80 billion in monthly transaction volume and has saved consumers more than $245 million since its founding.
Forward Looking Statements
Some of the statements contained in this document are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this document and are based on our management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk factors that are described under the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document and in our SEC filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
About Truebill / Rocket Money
Truebill is a leading personal finance app with the mission to empower people to live their best financial lives. The company offers its members a unique understanding of their finances and a suite of valuable services that save them time and money – ultimately giving their members a leg up on their financial journey. Members can manage subscriptions, lower their bills, build budgets and automatically set aside money to reach their savings goals. Truebill has saved members more than $245 million since its founding.Truebill was acquired by Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT) in December 2021 and will become Rocket Money in August 2022. The company is headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, and has an office in San Francisco. For more information, go to Truebill.com.
About Rocket Companies
Rocket Companies is a Detroit-based FinTech platform company consisting of personal finance and consumer technology brands including Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Amrock, Rocket Auto, Rocket Loans, Truebill, Lendesk, Edison Financial, Core Digital Media, Rocket Central and Rock Connections.Since 1985, Rocket Companies has been obsessed with helping its clients achieve the American dream of home ownership and financial freedom. The Company offers industry-leading client experiences powered by its simple, fast and trusted digital solutions. Rocket Companies ranked #7 on Fortune’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2022, ranking in the top third of the list for 19 consecutive years. For more information, please visit RocketCompanies.com or the Investor Relations Website.SOURCE Truebill
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TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct and TaxSlayer: Online tax filing companies compared

TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct and TaxSlayer: Online tax filing companies compared

If you don’t qualify for free filing or you want more guidance, online tax prep software — from spots like TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer and H&R Block — can help you navigate additional deductions to maximize your refund or specific tax situations.

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By now, you should have received most (if not all) of your tax forms, and that means one thing: The countdown to tax day is officially on and you have until April 18 to file your federal and state income taxes. If you’re among the majority of do-it-yourself tax filers, then you have two primary options: File your federal (and perhaps state) taxes for free or pay for online tax prep software. You qualify for free filing if you have an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less — in fact, the IRS estimates that 70% of Americans are eligible. Free filing is a good option if your taxes are pretty straightforward, and while the IRS has partnered with eight different providers for free online filing, you can also manually fill out paper forms if that’s more your thing. If you don’t qualify for free filing or you want more guidance, online tax prep software — from spots like TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer and H&R Block — can help you navigate additional deductions to maximize your refund or specific tax situations. The various software options may be a good fit if you make more than that $73,000 threshold, your taxes are more complicated — you bought or sold investments, own a home or have kids, for example — or you want to dot every “i” and cross every “t” on your federal taxes. Of course, you can always pay a professional to ensure your taxes are filed correctly.   What makes one tax prep software stand out from the crowd? A lot depends on your tax situation and preferences, though cost is also a factor (see the cost breakdowns at the end of the story). Here’s how four popular options stack up (and you’ll find a helpful chart comparing the options at the end of this story). TurboTax: Best for simplifying tax filing TurboTax is the biggest player in the tax filing game, and probably the most well-known tax prep software. Some services are free if your tax returns are simple. Paid services start at about $40 — they include a wide-range of offerings like online filing help and advice from a tax expert — and fit the needs of a range of taxpayers. What’s more, because of its popularity, you can likely find a discount through your credit card, workplace benefits or with online coupons. To get started, you answer a couple quick questions, and TurboTax’s website will guide you through which of four online software options you need: A free edition for simple returns, a “deluxe” edition that searches for hundreds of tax deductions and credits, a “premier” edition that also includes investments and rental property, and finally, a self-employed offering for people with business expenses. The software is easy to use and has a simple prompt format that makes filing your taxes feel like talking it through with a friend. For people who want more reassurance with self-filing, TurboTax offers “MAX” — an optional add-on package for any online paid version of the software starting at $49 that includes full audit representation and identity theft protection for one year, among other features.  (See the full cost of all TurboTax options in the chart below.) Bottom line: TurboTax is one of the easiest and most straightforward options to use, but it can get costly. For example, the “deluxe” version with standard access to an expert tax preparer’s help and final review will cost $119. A full service “deluxe” version where a tax expert handles your taxes for you costs $249. A spokesperson for TurboTax could not be reached for comment.

TaxAct: Best for access to tax experts While TaxAct doesn’t have nearly the same name recognition as TurboTax, it offers many of the same basic features like easy-to-answer prompts to navigate the tax-filing process  — with a lower starting price tag of $25 and up. All taxpayers have free access to a team of tax experts and certified public accounts (CPAs), who can offer advice and look over your returns before you file. Don’t mistake this feature for full-service filing help, however; the TaxAct experts may decline to answer certain questions or limit conversations with filers to 25 minutes and two questions. Still, this option may be appealing to people who are navigating new tax situations, like a baby or a business. TaxAct’s site isn’t very flashy, but flashy isn’t necessarily what you want or need from your online tax prep software. An appealing feature for many taxpayers looking to switch providers is TaxAct lets you upload your prior year’s tax return from competitors. TaxAct’s four basic options mirror TurboTax’s: A free version for simple filers, a “deluxe” option that covers homeowners and people with student loans or childcare expenses, a “premier” offering that also covers investments and finally, a self-employed version. Note: The self-employed option is the most expensive. (See the full cost of all TaxAct options in the chart below.) Bottom line: TaxAct shines with competitive pricing; its “deluxe” option is $24.95 for filing federal taxes and all four options come with the aforementioned free access to tax experts. But note that state filing is extra, and the interface is basic. A spokesperson for TaxAct could not be reached for comment.

H&R Block: Best for a range of filing options Odds are you’ve seen an H&R Block office at some point; the tax prep company has locations in all 50 states, as well as some international offices. People who want tax-filing help from one of the professionals in these offices can select from a virtual, drop-off or one-on-one appointment. Meanwhile, H&R Block is also a big player in the DIY tax-prep business, with a wide range of easy-to-use options for all types of taxpayers. And there are some interesting add-on options, like filing help for expats or help filing a tax extension or a second look review of prior years’ taxes. H&R Block has comparable online software to its big competitor, TurboTax. Prices start at about $30. (See the full cost of all H&R Block options in the chart below.) H&R Block features easy-to-understand prompts that can guide you through various tax situations to file your taxes online — but if you find your tax situation is tricky, you may want to take advantage of all those H&R Block locations to work with a tax professional. Filing with a professional does cost more, however, with prices starting at $80. As with TurboTax and TaxAct, H&R Block offers four different options: A free version for simple filers, a “deluxe” option that allows taxpayers to itemize deductions, a “premium” offering that includes rental income and cryptocurrencies, and a self-employed option for freelancers and gig workers. Bottom line: H&R Block is easy to use and has plenty of add-on options, but it can get expensive, particularly if assistance is needed. When asked for comment on the pricing structure, a spokesperson wrote: “H&R Block has more offerings for filing for free than the leading competitor.”

TaxSlayer: Best for seasoned tax filers If you noticed some common themes in various tax filing options from TurboTax, TaxAct and H&R Block, then TaxSlayer may come as a welcome surprise. Rather than paying more based on your tax situation, you will pay more if you want additional assistance. That could be appealing to seasoned tax filers who don’t need much help with their returns. If you have successfully filed your federal tax returns in years past without any additional assistance, then TaxSlayer may be a good option to consider. While there’s a free option for basic filers, the rest of taxpayers will be eligible for TaxSlayer’s “classic” offering, which covers any tax situation and includes all the necessary forms, credits and deductions you’ll need. The next level up, “premium,” gets you access to a tax pro and live chat, and then there’s a self-employed option, as well. Bottom line: TaxSlayer offers the best deal pricing-wise for the DIY tax filers because its “classic” option is $17.95. For those who do want assistance, the “premium” offering is $37.95. But it may not be the best option for someone who needs more assistance with their taxes, and you will pay more the more assistance you need. A spokesperson for TaxSlayer could not be reached for comment.

Company

Pricing Note: State returns are extra, unless noted

Additional options

Pros

Cons

TurboTax

Free edition: $0* Includes state return Deluxe: $39* Excludes investments Premier: $69* Includes investments and rental property Self-employed: $89* Personal and business

TurboTax Live (expert advice while you self-file) is $119 for “deluxe” option TurboTax Live Full Service Deluxe (expert does your taxes) is $249 for “deluxe” option

Easy to use Add-on options available

Can get expensive

TaxAct

Free: $0* State filing is extra Deluxe: $24.95* Excludes investments* Includes live expert assistance Premier: $34.95* Includes investments, rental property, home sale* and live expert assistance Self-employed: $64.95* For freelance, contractors, business owners* Includes live expert assistance

Xpert Full Service (tax experts file your taxes) is $169.95 for “deluxe” option

Inexpensive Access to live expert assistance included in cost Add-on options available

Interface is basic

H&R Block

Free online: $0* Includes state return Deluxe online: $29.99* Excludes investments Premium online: $49.99* Includes investments Self-employed online: $84.99* Personal and small business

Online Assist (file with the help of tax experts) is $39.99 and up File with a tax pro (in-person or virtually) starts at $80

Easy to use Add-on options available

Expensive, particularly if assistance is needed

TaxSlayer

Simply free: $0 * Includes state return Classic: $17.95* Includes all forms, deductions and credits. Premium: $37.95 * Ask a Tax Pro and live chat Self-employed: $47.95* Personal or business income

Active military members can file for free

Inexpensive Pricing is based on your assistance needs rather than tax situation

May not meet needs for people who require assistance

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