Voices

Antispyware Company Will Send Your Love to the IRS

Webroot, a company that develops antispyware and security software, has come up with an unusual promotion for beleaguered taxpayers this season: the opportunity to show a little appreciation to the hard-working folks at the Internal Revenue Service.

To take part in the company’s “Get on the IRS’s Good Side” promotion, taxpayers can visit www.webroottaxlove.com, download its Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper 2011 software (which carries a suggested retail price of $34.95), and then add a little free love to their 2010 return by choosing one or all of the following options:

1. Send a Flower – Show your appreciation to the IRS for their hard work by adding a flower and your name (optional) to a giant bouquet that will be delivered on Tax Day, Monday, April 18, 2011 to IRS Commissioner Douglas H. Shulman.

2. IRS Appreciation Stamps – Let the IRS know how much their dedication is appreciated by using a specially designed “love stamp” to mail in tax forms.

3. “Like” the IRS on Facebook – Thank them for their time this tax season using the ultimate social media forum.

Webroot chief marketing officer Chris Benham explained the timely promotion this way in the company’s press release: “Everyone wants to be appreciated at work and, as tax season approached this year, it occurred to us that possibly the least appreciated workers in America might be found at the IRS," he said. "We thought an outpouring of love from American taxpayers might be just what they need to get them through the dog days of April. The ‘Get on the IRS’s Good Side’ campaign is a win-win for taxpayers, too—safety, security and a little tongue-in-cheek fun to go along with the pain of paying.”

There’s no telling if it might work for tax preparers too in terms of getting on the IRS’s good side. For more information, visit www.webroottaxlove.com.

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