I heard on the radio that INSTANT TAX SERVICES offered a holiday loan that you may qualify for up to$ 1000.00. I called and made an appointment as the ad said, but when I got there, it was like a zoo and come to find out; everybody thought they had an appointment. I sat with the tax preparer and after giving my last pay stub, he then told me I was only approved for $100, and what my refund would be $5,625. It was $2000 less than I usually get, so he only put in general information. No school credits, no additional tax incentives, so I said before my taxes are submitted I would go back. I went back to inquire about the additional credits, but I sat and waited for hours. I left and returned the next day demanding to stop the process and return the $100 back, but was told that the contract was binding and it was too late and it would take 10 weeks to process. ( a lie).. I then demanded to speak with the manager because I wasn't happy with the service, and I wanted out. The manager then apologize for the issues, and assured me that he would make sure that my taxes were done correctly and I wouldn't have any other issues
I agreed, but asked him to take another look at my taxes, because I what was quoted was a little low than in the past with and my student expense weren't included. He looked like he was annoyed, but reluntantly keyed in the student credit, and my refund increased to $ 2000 more. He told me that I could pick up my check on Jan. 20. I left happy until I called the IRS on a separate issue after my taxes should have been submitted on the 17th that INSTANT Taxes didnot submit my taxes and she was 100% sure. I called INSTANT TAX SERVICE immediately to inquire about why,only to be put on hold for 15 minutes by the manager, who then says" Oh, we have a check for you for $300 from the loan".. and the IRS was lying. I told her that I called to check on the 20th as discussed, but was told by the manager that no check was there, but all of a sudden when I called to inquire about what the IRS told me , a check appeared... I picked up the $300 check, and told I could pick up the remaining amount by the 27th...
I checked the IRS website, but it couldn't provide me with the information about my refund which prompt me to call the IRS again to be told that the amount that I was expecting was $500 off. The manager from INSTANT TAX told me my refund would be $7160.00, but what was submitted was $7660. (500 difference) and I could expect to receive my funds by Feb 1st.. They intended to pocked the additional $500, and thought I wouldn't call to check..The 1st rolled around so I called to confirm if my check was there, and it was but I was asked if I could come later because of the line and that the news crew and police was there. I had no idea that earlier in the week Channel 9 news was there, because hundreds of people was standing in long lines irate about the refund. I finally arrived to pick up after 5:00 but was greeted by the Police officer ( BKA - The Greeter), who was only letting 5 people in at a time. So the line got longer, and it was raining and cold, so we had to stand out in the line to wait for OUR money... Repeat.. OUR Money.
As I stood there, the people in line was complaining that people were saying there check was short and they were charged over $900. I'm standing in line nervous, because I didn't know if I would have the same problem.. Guess What? I too was charged $800, with no paperwork given initially and none signed. I wanted to speak with the manager, but the line to speak with the manager was so long, so I was asked to complete a complaint form, and someone would get in contact. After the 10 day passed, I filed a civil complaint. I was tired of the treatment, and it was personal at this point. I usually use Jackson Hewitt,but the loan was so appealing that I decided to use the PREDATORS- AKA- Instant Tax SERVICE. I would like to speak with anyone that has experienced the same situation TO give me a call at 803 xxx-xxxx (((REDACTED))).. . This has to stop, and my plans are to make sure it doesn't happen to me or anyone else.
I urge anyone who were victimized to seek justice by filing a civil complaint and ask for the max allowed by law for your state. I'm confident that any judge that hear the facts would rule in your favor... We have a voice too as a consumer, and not sure about you guys. I'm tired of the getting over on consumers by big business.. because they feel like they can.. Thanks for listening
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