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H&R Block - Refund Anticipation Loans

H&R Block • Charges • Electronic Filing • Errors • "Free" Filing • Online • Refund Anticipation Loans • Taxcut • Option One Mortgage Corp. -- News • American Home Mortgage Servicing Agrees To 8200 Modifications • Massachusetts Court Stops H&R Block, Option One Foreclosures • Massachusetts Blocks H&R Block, Option One Foreclosures • New York Stops H&R Block's Deceptive Sweepstakes Ads • California Sues H&R Block • H&R Block Sells Subprime Mortgage Unit • H&R Block Launching Its Bank • H&R Block Threatened Employees, Spitzer Charges • H&R Block Settles Tax Refund Loan Suit • H&R Block Readies New Bank as Business Soars • NY Accuses H&R Block of IRA Marketing Fraud • H&R Block Goofs on Its Own Taxes • Children's Defense Fund: Tax Refund Loans "Indefensible" • California Sues H&R Block Over Its "Instant Refund" Loans • H&R Block Doesn't Block Identity Theft • H&R Block Will Settle More Payday Loan Suits • Option One Agrees to Clean Up Its Lending Practices in PA • H&R Blocked: Consumer Groups Oppose Tax Giant's Proposed Bank • Tentative Settlement in Tax Loan Class Action • Class Action Challenges Electronic Filing Fee • Supreme Court Rejects Block Appeal in Class Action • Judge Upholds Racketeering Complaints Against H&R Block, Household • Court Clears Class-Action Suit • Tax Loans Victimize Consumers --- • All About HSBC

Michael of Swannanoa, NC January 25, 2008

I went to the local H&R Block office with hopes of recieving my taxes earlier. I sat with one of their Tax Specialists for over an hour doing my taxes, at the end of which I was told I might qualify for an instant refund, which I really needed the money to pay my bills. After being denied for the instant refund I was told that it automatically goes to a 1-2 day RAL with no problems, so they pushed their debit card on me and I left thinking that in 1-2 days I could pay my bills and everything would be ok. I checked their site just like I was told 1 day later, then 2, and was informed that I was rejected for the RAL. So basically I spent 265 dollars on H&R block fee's and 73.42 on bank fees for a card I really cannot use for 8-15 days still. In my opinion this was a big rip off, I was mis-informed by H&R block about getting a refund faster, and I will NEVER go to any H&R block office again.

Ryan of Wapakoneta, OH January 24, 2008

I am extremely unsatisfied with my experience involving H&R Block. I normally use a small tax company to take care of my needs every year. Due to financial issues, I needed funds quickly. I was told by many people not to go to H&R Block due to the rates of charge for services. Well, this year I bit the bullet and went because I was under the impression by the representative for H&R Block, who prepared my return, said I would receive funds within twenty-four hours. That's fine, because that's what I was told that day (Jan 22 08 ). Today I call the office to inquire about a city tax voucher and other paper work that the rep. couldn't give me that same day I had my taxes done, which seemed slightly ironic but yet I agreed to COME BACK to get my paperwork due to the convenience and time it took to do my taxes, and not to mention I was TOLD I would be receiving my funds on my emerald card within 24 hours. I had an associate of mine come along, and he heard this as well.

I called the office today and now I'm told I was denied by some outside bank, and that I would not receive funds on my card for another fifteen days. This isn't going to work with me. If I were TOLD in person that I would not receive the funds for fifteen days, then I would have gone to my regular tax preparer and I would have not only paid 50 % less than what H&R Block is charging me, I would have had an honest experience as well. This is why I do not go to H&R Block. I do plan to pursue this to the farthest extent until I am satisfied. If the rep. would have just told me the truth, I would not be writing this, I would have just accepted the facts and lived with it. I feel as if I have been violated, and lied to.

The result to this experience delayed bills that were late in which I was told I would receive funds in 24-48 hrs. 

Jennell of Manteca, CA January 24, 2008

On January 9th, 2008, I went to H&R Block to have my taxes e-filed to the IRS. I was given a master card called the Emerald Advance Card, and was assured I would have my refund directly deposited onto my card within 24-48 hours. Three days later, which was Monday, I called Donna Nelson, The preparer who filed my taxes, and she told me I was denied for the RAL but that I would have my refund within 8-15 days.

It has now been over three weeks since I filed and I still have not received my refund. I asked if I was able to get the bank fees back since I could have tele-filed my return and got it back sooner, and they simply said no. My federal refund was to be approximately 7,000.00, and my state refund was to be 186.00.

On the 22nd of January, a deposit of 75.00 was posted to my card and when I called H&R Block to see what this amount was they did not have an answer and gave me the number to call the IRS. I called the IRS right then, and the gentlemen I spoke to said they had my information right there and that the amounts I had given him were correct and that my check from the IRS was set to be deposited into H&R Block's bank account. I still have not heard anything from H&R as to the status of my refund, and they have no information as to when I will get my money.

I needed the money to pay my rent and to take care of my 1 year old who was suffering from pneumonia. Since they assured me that day that I would have my refund within two days, I spent my rent money on doctors visits, medication, soup, pedialite and diapers, things that my children needed. So when I found out I wasn't getting my refund for another two weeks, I was on he verge of being evicted, and with no job and a sick child. And to make matters worse i am now stuck paying for an expedited service that I never received. And still no word on where my tax return is.

Michelle of Redford, MI January 23, 2008

I went in on 1-4-08 to get my taxes done and was told that I would get a same day loan advance of 500.  We went through the whole process, then the computer locked up and I was told that I would need to come back the following day.  The next day I went back to see the same lady but she wasn't in.  I was given to someone new who made all kinds of changes to my file. 

I found out that they couldn't even send my taxes till the 11th of Jan, so I went back on the 11th to finish the process.  I was told that I qualified for the 1-2 day loan.  I was given an emerald card and was told to check the following day.  I did - nothing.  Five days later I finally contacted the IRS.  They told me they received and began to process my information, however it was up to H&R Block to give me my money.  HRB  told me it was up to the IRS.

HRB mislead me, lied to me from the beginning and I was charged about 400 for all of this.

Erin of Queensbury, NY January 22, 2008

I went to H&R Block on January 15, 2008. I had seen all the commercials on T.V. for the RAL. I am a single mother and live paycheck to paycheck, so the quicker I could get my money the better. Considering I am getting back a good amount, I said what the heck, I will pay the extra amount (which came to almost 400). Not once did the tax preparer tell me that it was a loan. If I had known that, then I would have NEVER done it because I have not-so-good credit. So, as I waited 1..2..3..days, I finally called the office and was told by the receptionist that everyone was busy and that she would have someone call me as soon as possible. It has been 6 days and no one has returned my call. Nice customer service. So I had to go online and check the statis of my refund. I WILL NEVER USE H&R BLOCK AGAIN!!

So as a result, I'm out 400 and still waiting for my refund which could take up to 15 days. What a scam!

Ricky of Ft Knox, KY January 21, 2008

I don't know if H&R Block gets a commission for how ever many of their debit cards they are able to push onto people, but I too was told I would receive my money in 24-48 hours.  Well, after not getting it, I called them and they said the bank denied my loan.  Which doesn't make sense because I was reading about the card and it is impossible to go over the limit that is set on it.

I was told the IRS received my tax forms and approved them.  I called the IRS and they have no information on me at all for this year. If I was approved, as H&R Block says I was, then the money should be placed on the card and that should be it.  What does it matter what my credit situation is if I can't spend more then what is on the card?

Derek of Lilbourn, MO January 21, 2008

I went into H and R Block to file my taxes and opted for the ral loan. I was denied for the money now loan but was told I could get the traditional ral and was sent away with their mastercard and told my refund would be on there within 24 to 48hrs. I called the bank and was told I was denied because I did not meet screening criteria but H and R Block assured me I was approved and had no problem collecting the 231 dollars to file for the ral, which I will not get and I am still waiting 8 to 15 day for refund.

I am now unable to pay bills and get my 3 month old daughter her medication which could save her hearing.

Travis of Concord, NC January 20, 2008

I went into H&R Block to get my taxes prepared was offered the RAL and then they denied me for same day money. So they had told me that it came back and said I was approved in 1-2 days to get my money. I paid right at 400 dollars for this service because I really needed this money as the past year had been a very difficult year and I am supporting my sister right now because she had medical probloms with her daughter. Now they are telling me when I called that prepaid card they gave me to have my taxes put on, that my money will not come until 8-15 days and our rent is depending on this money. That is why I paid so much to get it back, so I am pretty sure I will have an eviction notice on my door before I see that money.

And just to think I trusted these people, I would never had paid 400 dollars to get my money in 8-15 days, that is for sure. That is the standard time for the IRS. I just feel like I was targeted for a scam because when I told them the situation I was in, they took it to the bank with me. So now we have a sick little girl and are going homeless because of H&R Block. I will never use them again and advise everyone else if you are a lower income family, do not use H&R Block please. They took advantage as they knew I needed the money really bad to keep a roof over my family's head and to pay some medical expences.

I am going to be evicted from my home now and my sister lives with me because she lost everything due to having a sick child, so the 400 dollars that I paid those snakes could of paid for her breathing machine that she needs. I don't know what I am going to do as of right now.

Dustin of Libearl, MO January 14, 2008

I went in and was told I was approved for a ral loan and would get my money in 24-48 hours. Well, I go to look and it was denied; so I called and was told the denial was due to a credit criteria. I was approved from them last year, so now I must wait 8-14 days for my loan and probably still be stuck with bank fees. I will never use HR Block again in my life.

Brian of Cuyahoga Falls, OH December 4, 2007

I went to H&R block on 3/16/07, and they told me I could get the RAL and that I was approved.They told me to inquire the next day, and that I would have my money. They gave me the emerarld card and my paperwork, and I was off and happy ! I even asked the gentleman at the office, what if I don't get approved for the RAL? He said, "If you don't that's your problem, not mine" and he laughed.

Well, to my surprise they did not accept my loan; it was denied, and that I would receive my bank fee money back in 8-15 days. But H&R Block said it was up to the bank to decide whether I get approved, and even though I didn't get the RAL, I would still have to pay the bank fee. And before I left H&R Block office on 3/16, they knew I was not approved, but told me I was anyway--just so they could get their filing fee. I call this a scam. I wish that I and everybody else could get our money back for these fees.

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