In 1995, Microsoft announced plans to acquire Intuit software, makers of financial software including Quicken and TurboTax. Shortly thereafter, the Department of Justice filed a complaint to the US District Court intended to prevent the acquisition. At the time, it is estimated that Quicken commanded 69% of the personal finance software market share, while Microsoft Money, the competing product, commanded 22%. The complaint argues that such the acquisition could "harm consumers in other important areas of commerce, especially the area of personal computer based ("PC-based") home banking" and that Microsoft Money is viable and competitive enough a software product that the acquisition would threaten competition in the personal finance software maketplace.

Popular opinion suggests that considerable strain by the Department of Justice to provide adequate documentation regarding the proposed merger ("compliance with the request cost Microsoft $5 million in copying and legal fees") ended Microsoft's acquisition plans.