SECTION 11. ADVERTISING

STANDARDS FOR ON-LINE FILERS

.01 An On-Line Filer must comply with the advertising and solicitation provisions of 31 C.F.R. Part 10 (Treasury Department Circular No. 230). This circular prohibits the use or participation in the use of any form of public communication containing a false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, unduly influencing, coercive, or unfair statement or claim. Any claims concerning faster refunds by virtue of electronic filing must be consistent with the language in official Service publications.

.02 An On-Line Filer must adhere to all relevant federal, state, and local consumer protection laws that relate to advertising and soliciting.

.03 An On-Line Filer must not use the Service’s name, “Internal Revenue Service” or “IRS”, within a firm’s name.

.04 An On-Line Filer must not use improper or misleading advertising in relation to the Form 1040 On-Line Filing Program (including the time frames for refunds).

.05 An On-Line Filer using electronic filing promotional materials or logos provided by the Service must comply with all Service instructions pertaining to the promotional materials or logos.

.06 An On-Line Filer using the Direct Deposit name and logo must comply with the following:

(1) The name “Direct Deposit” will be used with initial capital letters or all capital letters;

(2) The logo/graphic for Direct Deposit will be used whenever feasible in advertising copy; and

(3) The color or size of the Direct Deposit logo/graphic may be changed when used in advertising pieces.

.07 Advertising materials must not carry the FMS, IRS, or other Treasury Seals.

.08 Advertising for a cooperative electronic return filing project (public/private sector) must clearly state the names of all cooperating parties.

.09 If an On-Line Filer uses radio or television broadcasting to advertise, the broadcast must be pre-recorded. The OnLine Filer must keep a copy of the prerecorded advertisement for a period of at least 36 months from the date of the last transmission or use.

.10 If an On-Line Filer uses direct mail or fax communications to advertise, the On-Line Filer must retain a copy of the actual mailing or fax, along with a list or other description of firms, organizations, or individuals to whom the communication was mailed, faxed, or otherwise distributed for a period of at least 36 months from the date of the last mailing, fax, or distribution.

.11 Acceptance to participate in the Form 1040 On-Line Filing Program does not imply endorsement by the Service, FMS, or the Treasury Department of the software or quality of services provided.