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  • Report:  #383069

Complaint Review: Liberty Tax Service

Liberty Tax Service Liberty Tax Service made a large mistake in calculating my state tax return and then altured the check I used to pay their fee. Warwick Rhode Island

  • Reported By:
    Warwick Rhode Island
  • Submitted:
    Mon, October 20, 2008
  • Updated:
    Sat, January 08, 2011
  • Liberty Tax Service
    1851 Post Road,
    Warwick, Rhode Island
    U.S.A.
  • Phone:
    401-921-5865
  • Category:

I went to Liberty Tax Service in March of 2008 to prepare my federal and state income tax returns for 2007. They completed the forms and I wrote them a personal check for their fee on March 25, 2008.

Three months later I was notified by the Rhode Island Department of taxation that my income tax return for 2007 had been miscalculated and that I owed an additional $958.00 plus penalties and interest. I contacted Liberty Tax Service and they admitted that it was their fault that the error occurred but did nothing else to help me remedy the errors. I paid the amount the RI Taxation department said I owed including penalties and interest.

In addition to this issue, I noticed that the check I paid Liberty Tax Services for their fee had not cleared my bank for several months. Since the check was written on March 25, 2008, it would not be valid after September 25, 2008 according to my bank. After September 25, 2008 I no longer kept the funds in my account to cover that check since it was no longer valid.

On October 3, 2008 the check cleared my account causing the account to be overdrawn and incurring overdraft penalties by my bank. I looked at the canceled check and realized that the date had been altered prior to it being deposited in Liberty Tax Service's bank on October 2, 2008. The date had been originally written as 3/25/2008 it was altered to read 8/25/2008. The alteration extended the time period the check would remain valid. My bank informs me that this constitutes a form of fraud.

I suggest that anyone considering using Liberty Tax Services reconsider and go to another more reputable service.

By the way, this company is NOT affiliated with Liberty Mutual Insurance. I have my home owners and auto insurance with Liberty Mutual and am very satisfied with the services they offer.

Michael
Warwick, Rhode Island
U.S.A.

6 Updates & Rebuttals


Bullwinkle2645

McDonough,
Georgia,
United States of America

You still owe the fee regardless if the check was not cashed!

#7General Comment

Sat, January 08, 2011

You are a complete moron. You think that because the company lost your check, they were not entitled to the fees for their services? What planet did you come from? Was Liberty required to pay the fees to the state? When you noticed that your bank statement had a little "extra" did you bother to notify Liberty that their check had not cleared? Sounds like maybe you're not the boy scout you pretend to be in this story.


Janis

Amherst,
New Hampshire,
U.S.A.

Not impressed!

#7Consumer Comment

Mon, February 01, 2010

I'm surprised that this website allowed you to use your rebuttal as a ploy to get new business.


So if we print out this rebuttal and bring it to you, we get 50% off your fee? 


Sir, based on the fact that you used this forum, which is intended to help consumers who feel they have been treated unfairly, as a basis to advertise your franchise, I will NEVER use you for any type of service.


 


Shame on you!


AngryFatMan

Cranston,
Rhode Island,
USA

hilarious!

#7Consumer Comment

Tue, January 12, 2010

hilarious that it took you a yeah to post a rebuttal. obviously your company did not care about him until it was nearing tax season again.

I would hop0e no one uses your service. I am personally using H&R block.


Liberty Tax Preparer

Warwick,
Rhode Island,
U.S.A.

Satisfaction Guaranteed!

#7REBUTTAL Owner of company

Mon, March 02, 2009

In response to the report made on 10/20/08, we at Liberty Tax Service in Warwick would like to clear up any miscommunication.

When a client's tax return is miscalculated and subsequently adjusted by the respective tax agency, Liberty Tax Service honors the Written Guarantee that is issue to each of our clients. The pillars of that guarantee outline our commitment to customer service and responsibility for errors caused by our preparation. Namely, this covers: Year Round Support, Satisfaction/Accuracy Guarantee, Free Consultation, Audit Assistance, Correspondence Assistance, and Free Copies of your return.

We always strive to prepare your return accurately and efficiently the first time, however, mistakes do occur, and we try to minimize the impact by picking up the cost of any penalties or interest associated with our error. This leaves the client responsible only for the tax, which would have originally been owed if the mistake had not occurred.

With regards to Michael's claim regarding changing the date on the check, we must refute that claim. We pride ourselves on honest, trusted tax preparation and this claim does not align with our mission and vision to the community. Admittedly, the check may not have been deposited as timely as Michael may have anticipated, but we certainly would not have participated in such a dishonest act. We would have simply contact the client, explained the delay in depositing the funds, and requested a replacement check.

Here at Liberty Tax Service, we are determined to serve the community by setting the standard, improving each day, and having some fun! We want to be your tax preparation service of choice through the following principles: Create Raving Fans, Be Honest, Show Respect and have Integrity, Monitor Results not Activities, Mistakes are a Wise Persons' Education, Challenge Ourselves - Challenge Each Other, Break Boundaries, Give Loyalty-Get Loyalty, and Communication.

This is why we would like to offer any individual that prints this rebuttal 50% off tax preparation at either of our Warwick locations: 643 East Avenue (Behind Mr. Tux) or 1851 Post Road (Across from the Sheraton). This offer applies to new customers only on tax preparation, additional fees apply for bank products. Existing customers can bring this posting in for $50 off their tax preparation.

Lastly, we would also like to offer Michael, the poster of this report, a FREE tax return if he returns to one of our Warwick offices. We would like to apologize for any misunderstanding and would love it if you gave us a chance to make you a raving fan!


Nancy

Steilacoom,
Washington,
U.S.A.

CARBON OF THE CHECK

#7Consumer Suggestion

Sat, November 01, 2008

If you ahve the kind of checks that have a carbon copy, then you have proof. You would also have proof of the alteration if you kept an accurate register. If you ahve proof of the date you wrote on the check, call them and telll them that you have proof that the check was altered and you are going to the police, IF they do not reimburse you your fees that you incurred from the bank. Then follow through.


Stephanie

Columbus,
Ohio,
U.S.A.

Any resolution?

#7Consumer Suggestion

Sat, November 01, 2008

Hello Michael! I'm curious as to whether or not you've had any further communication with the Liberty Tax Office you worked with. I own a LibertyTax office in Ohio and am so disappointed that you had such a negative experience. Liberty Tax Service places such an emphasis on offering the best service in the Industry. Customer Satisfaction is the most important thing to me as a Franchise Owner so please let me know if you still need assistance with this matter. I'd like to help if I can!

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