How are you feeling about tax time this year? Corporations, for the most part, are feeling good about reduced tax burdens, but what about individuals operating a business in today’s gig economy?
Boulder-based Made, a marketing agency specializing in brand transformation, partnered with TaxAct to help freelancers and contract workers manage their tax needs and get the best returns possible.
Did you know that last year the gig economy accounted for an estimated 34% of American jobs, and that’s expected to grow to 43% by 2020? Despite this growth, this workforce has been largely ignored by the online tax industry, leaving these workers concerned that they’re getting it wrong or missing out on opportunities to maximize their refund.
“Work that addresses a cultural truth is usually successful,” said Dave Schiff, Chief Creative Officer at Made. “Gig workers have unprecedented freedom, but they don’t have the same support that full-timers do when it comes to things like taxes — the campaign goes right at that.”
At the heart of the work are two proprietary tools designed with gig workers in mind. The Deduction Maximizer, which helps filers find deductions specific to their job, and the $100K Accuracy Guarantee, which pays filers the difference in any shortfall from their return, and covers audit protection up to one hundred thousand dollars.
Mathieu Stevenson, CMO of TaxAct parent Blucora, says the company is determined to innovate around gig workers, rather than just messaging to them. “These are hardworking people in very fluid circumstances. They don’t need a filing partner that panders to them. They need a year-round partner with tools to help them navigate the tax system,” he said.
Hat Tip: The Denver Egotist
Previously on Adpulp: Disruptive Patriots Are On The Job At Made Movement
