When the commissioner, The US Secretary of the Treasury, learned of the proposal of using Donald Duck as the feature character of the film, he insisted on a generic "Mr. Taxpayer" character instead. Walt Disney managed to convince him that using one of the studio's most popular characters would make for a more entertaining film and therefore, give a more effective message to the audience.
Because Donald Duck made less than $3,000 in 1941, he uses the "new simplified form" for his taxes. Although extending beyond the left margin on the 1941 Income Tax Return, his address reads in part, "1313 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, Calif." He proudly announces his occupation as "Actor." to which the animated pen chuckles and adds a "?". His total income was $2,501. He lists his dependents as Huey, Dewey, and Louey, relationship "Adopted," and after deducting a total $800 credit for dependents, the narrator intones "that comes to $1,701." Then after being told he is "single with dependents, just look in Column B, you will find it all worked out for you" at $13. He writes check No. 13 on the "13th National Bank" on "Feb. 13 1942" for the $13. Lastly, he follows the narrated instructions "if you really want to help, mail it in early, be one of the first."
Reportedly, the film had the desired effect on income tax filings with twice as many tax filings in 1942 than in the previous year.