Intuit, an accounting software company, lifts ban on gun-related businesses.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his support for software firm Intuit’s decision to reverse its ban on gun companies accessing its payroll and payment processing services.
Prior to August 1, 2023, Intuit had prohibited gun sellers and manufacturers from utilizing the full features of its QuickBooks service, an accounting software. Firearm manufacturers were unable to access QuickBooks’ payroll services, while gun-selling entities were ineligible for QuickBooks’ payment processing services.
However, the company has now changed its stance.
“I welcome Intuit’s reversal of its policy that had forbidden gun manufacturers and sellers from using certain QuickBooks services,” Mr. Cruz stated in a letter to the company on September 25 (pdf). “Intuit’s recent decision to allow such businesses to use the company’s payroll and payment services—a change prompted by my staff’s oversight investigation—was long overdue.”
Mr. Cruz became aware of Intuit’s “discriminatory policies” when Dawson Precision, a Texas firearms parts manufacturer, informed his office that Inuit had abruptly terminated their subscription to QuickBooks payroll services, according to the letter.
“Dawson Precision only discovered what had happened after it submitted payroll and, instead of receiving confirmation that payroll had been processed, received a notification that its payroll subscription had been terminated,” Mr. Cruz wrote. “Intuit later stated that it canceled Dawson Precision’s account because, as a firearm manufacturer, it violated Intuit’s acceptable use policy.”
Dawson Precision attempted to appeal the termination but was unsuccessful in reversing the cancellation. As a result of Intuit’s actions, the company had to resort to printing paper checks for several weeks.
Other Businesses Affected
Intuit’s abrupt cessation of credit card processing services for Gunsite Academy, based in Arizona, hindered the business’s operations, Mr. Cruz pointed out. The academy provided marksmanship training and sold guns. According to the letter, Intuit claimed that its policy prohibited businesses engaged in “non-face-to-face gun sales.”
Even when Gunsite Academy clarified that it only shipped firearms to dealers and not directly to customers, Intuit refused to lift the ban.
“Intuit’s policy effectively prevented small businesses that sell firearms from operating online, despite the fact that such sales are entirely legal and heavily regulated,” the letter stated.
Following an investigation conducted by Mr. Cruz’s staff, Intuit reversed its policy.
“My staff will continue their investigation to ensure that no financial services firm unnecessarily restricts the firearm industry’s access to accounting or banking products,” the letter stated.
“Intuit should confirm that its revised policy regarding gun manufacturers and sellers is final,” Mr. Cruz emphasized. Additionally, the company should “update my staff when it has informed its customers of the new policies and offered to reinstate the accounts of all the customers that it previously had removed based on the old policies.”
Pressured by Banks
According to Mr. Cruz’s letter, Intuit’s policies against firearms sellers and manufacturers were not solely its own decision. The company stated that its two banking partners, Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase & Co., demanded the enforcement of such policies.
Bank of America requested Intuit to block firearms manufacturers from using QuickBooks payroll services, while JPMorgan asked for restrictions on payment processing services for firearms sellers, the letter revealed.
JPMorgan admitted to Mr. Cruz’s staff that it had issued such a directive. ”Bank of America, however, denied giving Intuit any instructions regarding firearm manufacturers or sellers,” the letter stated.
“Intuit insisted that Bank of America did. Regardless of who initiated these discriminatory policies against gun manufacturers, Intuit made the right decision to end them.”
A spokesperson for Intuit stated in an email to The Epoch Times that the company’s acceptable use policy is “based on various factors, including compliance with laws and banking partner requirements. Our commitment to customers is unwavering, and we will continue to ensure our policies serve their needs.”
Protecting Gun Rights
Intuit’s reversal of its gun business policy is one of the recent victories for gun rights advocates.
On September 8, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced a 30-day ban on carrying guns in certain-sized counties. However, U.S. District Judge David Urias put the governor’s declaration on hold, deeming it unconstitutional. Gun Owners of America and its legal arm, the Gun Owner’s Foundation, had filed a lawsuit to block the order.
On September 22, a federal judge in California ruled that the state’s ban on gun magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition is unconstitutional.
“The history and tradition of the Second Amendment clearly support state laws against the use or misuse of firearms with unlawful intent, but not the disarmament of law-abiding citizens,” wrote U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez, appointed by President George W. Bush, in the decision.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration recently established the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which has raised concerns among gun rights groups.
The office, led by Vice President Kamala Harris and supported by gun safety advocates, aims to coordinate a nationwide effort to reduce gun violence in America, according to White House officials.
“This new White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention… will drive and coordinate a government and nationwide effort to reduce gun violence in America,” said President Joe Biden, emphasizing the importance of the issue.
1>I appreciate your taking the time to bring this issue to my attention.
2>The recent decision by software firm Intuit to reverse its ban on gun companies accessing its payroll and payment processing services is a step in the right direction. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his support for this reversal, acknowledging the importance of allowing businesses in the firearms industry
3) How does Sen. Ted Cruz’s support for Intuit’s reversal reflect the significance of PAA in enabling businesses in the firearms industry
Sen. Ted Cruz’s support for Intuit’s reversal reflects the significance of Payment and Account Aggregators (PAA) in enabling businesses in the firearms industry by addressing the challenges they face in accessing financial services.
Payment and Account Aggregators play a crucial role in facilitating secure and seamless online transactions for businesses. However, due to the controversial nature of the firearms industry, many financial institutions have been hesitant to provide their services to these businesses. This has created significant challenges for firearms businesses, including limited access to banking services, payment processing, and merchant accounts.
Intuit’s initial decision to suspend services for the firearms industry is an example of the difficulties faced by these businesses. It demonstrated how financial service providers could be influenced by external pressures, leading to unfair treatment and limited opportunities for businesses operating within the firearms industry.
Sen. Ted Cruz’s support for Intuit’s reversal highlights the significance of PAA in enabling businesses in the firearms industry. By advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities, Sen. Cruz recognizes the importance of ensuring that businesses in this industry have access to the same financial services as any other legal business.
The reversal of Intuit’s decision signifies that Payment and Account Aggregators can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by businesses in the firearms industry. By providing these businesses with merchant accounts, secure payment processing, and online financial services, PAAs empower them to thrive and grow without unnecessary barriers.
Sen. Cruz’s support also sends a message to other financial service providers that businesses in the firearms industry should not be discriminated against solely because of the nature of their operations. It encourages a fair and unbiased approach to serving businesses, recognizing their legal right to access financial services and conduct lawful commerce.
Overall, Sen. Ted Cruz’s support for Intuit’s reversal reflects the significance of PAA in enabling businesses in the firearms industry by addressing the challenges they face in accessing financial services and promoting fair treatment and equal opportunities for all businesses, regardless of the industry they operate in.
Read More From Original Article Here: Accounting Software Company Intuit Reverses Ban on Gun-Related Businesses
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