Gina
Warminster,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, April 01, 2004
MageLyn- I too had a bad experience with H&R Block. About 4 years ago, we were running a little late with our tax prep. We thought it would be easier to go to a "professional" We had taken a $30,000 loss on a property and knew we couldn't calculate what the return would be. After 1 1/2 hours, we were told it would be illegal to use that loss on our return. I knew that that was B.S. and questioned him on his logic. He said, and I quote, " I am the professional, not you " I took my paperwork and left. He ran after me to the parking lot and said he would file suit against me for theft of services. I couldn't believe the total predator he turned out to be. When they want to obtain your business, you are the best thing since sliced bread. I nicely explained to him as I started my car that I did not receive my return from him and that I felt he was not giving me the accurate info. I left his office and went to my fathers accountant. Within 60 minutes he calculated our return. It was a complicated return due to all of the deductions. We left with a promise of a $5500 refund. Because of our $30,000 property loss. I guess through all of this I am trying to tell you that it is worth the extra money to use an accountant. My belief is that because they are a chain, they have incredible overhead expenses (advertising) so they have to compensate by charging astonomical fees. It is a quantity business not quality. I paid a CPA $175 and I know in my heart it will always be 100% accurate. Good Luck and hope it works out for you.
JULIET
BIRMINGHAM,#3Consumer Comment
Wed, March 31, 2004
I don't dispute the above report because it always comes down to the quality of the person you're dealing with, so I'm sure she is probably justified in her words. However, I have used H&R Block for several years and I have been happy with them. Our taxes have complex, covering federal, 2 different states (AL & MN), using a home as a rental property and gambling winnings. Maybe not THE MOST complex, like rich people, but more than I cared to do. The only reason I stopped having H&R Block doing them is my mother is a retired IRS auditor, and she does them for free. I felt that their fees were fair and I was fortunate enough to have good representatives who didn't try to pressure me into things I didn't want or need. As for the lady in the above report, I'm really sorry this happened to you but the same kind of thing has happened to me in the past and the best thing you can do is treat it as a learning experience and get what good out of it that you can. It hurts, but it hurts to keep getting taken even more! I'm glad she filed her report so people will be aware of this particular tactic, but if you're thinking of using a tax preparation service, I don't want people to be discouraged from H&R Block. I do believe they are good and fair in their business dealings but always be wary of ANY salesperson, which is what they ultimately are. They receive compensation for each sale they close. But not providing a detailed invoice is just plain wrong. Thanks for providing this great forum for true customer experience, Ripoff Report. I read your postings every day just about, lololol. And I've been steered away from places/things that I had wondered about, and you gave me the answers I was looking for.