H&R Block Reviews

We stated to the preparer, and we were very clear, that we were in need of an advance (rapid) refund, and that if they did not offer that service, we would file elsewhere. The tax preparer on Fort Bragg (name withheld), blatantly told us that we were getting the Emerald Card for that exact purpose and we would receive our taxes so much sooner than if we waited for the IRS to send our return to our bank account.

We were point blank lied to by H&R Block. They have purposely deceived their clients by using the word "advance" in their Rapid Advance Check. There is no such thing with this company. They at no time had any intention of advancing any money to their clients. Instead, they have charged their clients, and defrauded them in the process.

We are a military family and have fallen on very hard times, as every other American family has, due to the economic hardships this past year. I am prepared to file suit against H&R Block and I welcome everyone and anyone to join me. I certainly pray that an attorney will contact me that wish to pursue this matter. I will personally make sure that our Base Commander receives word of this issue. Every soldier, and family, that walks through those doors of H&R Block (and they have set up multiple) mobile sites on Fort Bragg, is being misled and, as we all have been, lied to directly to our faces. We need help!

Yes, there are issues with the new IRS system, but that doesn't prevent HRB from fully disclosing they no longer offer RAL as a service until after your return has been completed and for continuing to market timelines for returns that they know are inaccurate. I was not told by my preparer that RALs were no longer offered until we began discussing return options and only then was it mentioned because I inquired when he failed to list it as an option.

In addition, HRB continues to use the RAL/RAC language, even though they know the terms have refund terms have changed and it's misleading to customers. Their marketing this year was purposefully misleading and predatory. They intentionally allowed customers to believe their practices were the same as with previous years, and opted out of disclosing critical changes until prompted by the customer.

I will never use their services again or make another referral. At best this practice has been unethical and should be considered unlawful.

A week later, I printed out my tax forms for school, and made an appointment with the same guy. Then, we find out that he was very dishonest the first time around. Not only would we have to send in the tax forms by mail, which will take us about three months to receive that chunk of our return, but we also had to pay more than $30 to file it. We have gone to H&R block for three years now, and we will not go again.

Then on the 27th, I am sent an empty email saying return status so I call office to check and I am told the 7th! Really?! I call the 800 number and ask for a supervisor and the person transferring me to him laughs, then I am told the 1st. I want to know the truth. I paid $263 for these unprofessional to file my taxes and I am been given the run around about my money. If you’re not sure, say that!

Then after all of that, I was charged a fee of $338.75 for them do it. I went in after work and I was tired from working at 5 am till 2 pm. They said if the return was finished by the first lady the other day, you wouldn't be here this long. I didn't cause a scene but felt like ** after that, then was ** because for something that was supposed to be done free, it cost $338.75. What was supposed to be done in one sitting and with one person took 3 people and two sittings. I just wanted them to finish so I could go home.

After settling down, I called the customer service number to ask why they would advertise that they would do a simple return for free and told them what had happened that day when I went in the second time and all the girl could say was,"I'm sorry for that. We took off a small fee of $38 that was for the emerald card fees" but I already had a card. I have been going there for 5 years and I don't think I will go back next year. There's too much flip flopping and I hope my return was filed correctly. I know I had the right to just say stop and walk out but if you get the refund loan they offer in December, you're locked into filing with them that tax year but next year it's not worth it to go through the **. Sorry, H&R Block. You have lost my business.

I work in CT and live in NY. She kept telling me throughout the process that she has never done a NYS return. Could you imagine how nervous that makes me feel when the person I am paying to do my taxes from a legitimate business is telling me that she does not understand NY taxes? On top of it all, she used my automatic signature in the system and signed numerous forms that I did not get to review.

I did my taxes with this company last year and never had a problem but this year will be that last time I use H&R block. It's a scam!

I was told by the preparer that I should activate my Emerald card within 24 hours of receiving it. I tried to activate it two days later and I was not registered to the card. So then, I checked my E-file status online and again it was not recognized. I then called the preparer and she did not understand what I was saying so she transferred me to another tax preparer who explained that they were not able to submit it last night because they went home at 9:30pm, so they should have taken care of it this morning. When I called customer service, they tell me that they will call me back and that this happens sometimes because they are so busy in the office.

I received a phone call twenty minutes later from the original tax preparer explaining that she submitted it today. When I asked her when, she continued with an attitude and said "today." I then continued to explain that it takes two hours for me to view so I would like to know around what time. She then said, "this afternoon." I said, great then I will check in a moment and she continued to explain that she would complete it in a few minutes. She asked me for my email and home address after I had given that to her when I filed my return.

I am in the hospitality industry for over twelve years and know a thing or two about service and working with people. This company not only lacks customer service but lacks tax experience. I believe that maybe they hire people who are just looking for extra cash during the tax season. The receptionist was rude and ignored everyone that came into the office as well as complained that she had not been able to punch in because a customer needed assistance. The presentation, atmosphere, and overall experience is one that I refuse to encounter again.

You could have gotten the emerald advance and got some of your money same day but that was a limited time offer. You get to check on your refund check www.irs.gov or look up the number. And for the people that haven't gotten their W2's yet, legally, they have to be in by the 31st of January. But you can go to hrblock.com/w2 and click on w2, early access to have them sent to hr-block (pw is your full birthday 8 characters), and as for the emails going around if you get any calls from H&R Block, saying that need your info fast (banking info). It's a scam. Immediately call an H&R Block office and alert them immediately.

It is now January 27th and when I called, I am told that there is a delay due to all the tax returns being processed at this time. Another H&R block employee tells me that for some reason anyone who filed their taxes before the 17th of January will not receive them on their emerald card until February 7th. Friends who had their taxes prepared January 17th already have received their returns which were deposited directly in their bank accounts.

This is the last time for H&R Block for us!

This year it is taking way longer due to IRS changes--about 2-3 weeks efile on Emerald Card! I’m currently on my 16th day before the weekend—now IRS says February 3rd! I filed at H&R Block on Jan. 13th! H&R Block will not disclose this with you so be prepared to wait longer than normal! $315 for less than an hour’s time is ridiculous and you’re not receiving the money any earlier than if you efile yourself! Turbo Tax is the way to go. Notice how H&R Block now have the home edition because they know their offices will be closing! Do not use H&R Block. I’m a customer for many years and I’m fed up! Too expensive for nothing!

I paid my taxes, and I worked for every dollar that I have made, and I want my money. I don't care what kind of problems the state has with mismanaging our money, but then again, we are too busy helping other countries, and neglect our country all the time. I don't see other countries coming to our aid, when we have natural disasters. However, we send our American hard earned money to them and our help, and what do we get? Debt and hate. I want my money, and I am sure thousands of others want theirs as well.

Just yesterday, my tax preparer texted me, telling me there's a scam going on with these Emerald cards, and not to give my Emerald card info to anyone. This is my first time filing with H&R Block, and will never happen again, to never experience something like this. I should have known, especially since my sister had problems with them last year.

The man that was over the office was incredibly rude to me and told me to shut up. I ask him if he didn't realize I was a customer that he was dealing with. He told me that after I left that office that day I would never be his customer again and that he didn't want me to set foot in the Vernon H&R Block again. He gave me a check for $100 and told me he was giving me this as long as I agreed never to call their complaint department again. I don't take to kindly to threats or bribes and the reason the have an 800 number is so the people over H&R Block knows how their customers are being treated. I will agree with him that once I do get my tax return I will never make the mistake of using H&R Block again! I'm not saying that all their offices are run as poorly as this one but this has truly been the worst experience in customer service I've ever received. My advise to anyone living in or around Lamar County, Alabama is never make the mistake I did by letting the office at 125 1st Ave NW Vernon, Al 35592 file your taxes!

On the Web page, you are one click from finding the state price. It says free. You can't be above driving age without knowing means that you better read about the catch. Sure enough, click Federal filing is free, but State is not. You have to look at a whopping 2 inches of text to see the words State additional fee. There are many options, I did them in high school. You walk to the library and get free tax forms. Or go to IRS.gov, get your free tax forms, prepare them yourself.

You are not entitled to free software made by a corporation. You are not entitled to a free professional tax person's time in their own office. I will bet you that the coupon received in the story here said *State filing extra. I bet it also said, "must be presented before consultation." You couldn't be troubled to spend 10-20 seconds reading.

This site is here to help people with real consumer fraud issues. I am appalled to see people coming in and complaining about problems with themselves. It is just lazy greed. Do you understand that you don't just have to read the fine print in other countries? You have to bribe people to take your taxes. You have to make sure you did it right many times so you don't get hit by the ** of a rifle. Seriously, grow up. You, guys, are abusing the power you wield as an American.

It is now the end of January 2012, and I have not received a refund. My H and R Block rep has sent info, called, sent fax pages. She has been great. Still, I have not received my money. I saved them a lot of money, by going ahead and paying what I owed. This is no way to do business, and keep your clients. My next step seems to be the TV show "2 on your side", which may be my only recourse.

There were two others there also. Well, the head lady finally decided to start it for my boyfriend." I believe that if your company is running a promotion that the first thing out of her mouth should of been did you receive a coupon in the mail? Well, she never said a thing about it and my boyfriend is not a people person so he didn't mention it. Well, it took about six or 7 minutes for them to prepare it and she says that will be 103.00. He told her, well I'm not signing anything and he handed her the coupon she said it was too late.

Well, I go in and asked her for the w-2 back. She said she can't give it to me that will be 35.00 dollars if I want it back for their time. Well, what about our time? We sat there almost 45 minutes to even see someone. Poor business tactics if you ask me not one word about the coupon. So went to go print another one out and it's gonna be a while till we get a new one.

So to top it off, I told her, look we are struggling right now and this is a small town and we both had our taxes done there before for a couple of years, although we go smart after how much money they charged and see how that remodeled their office. She said to me, oh everybody is broke right now. Well, she has a job and another business. She ain't hurting by no means. Well, I'm in wrong business if they're getting 35.00 for six minutes of their time. Well, she was rude and very nasty. I want the w-2 back now.

And if I choose to deduct the fees out of my check, they will also take $32.95 from my check. Where the heck is anything free? So much for H&R Block, think I will come out better buying TurboTax this year.

Their solution is we won't charge you to prepare your taxes since we will have to redo them for you to mail them in. The fact is that the preparer’s incompetence resulted in me not having my refund and being subjected to any penalties is bad enough. But the fact is that I have not even received a formal sincere apology or respectable resolution is even more insulting. I am now unemployed. I am a fulltime student and I was to receive $4000. I needed that money and I did everything I was supposed to upon my return home.

1. You are responsible for providing ALL "source" documents to the Tax Preparer. Peace of Mind (note correct spelling) does not cover clients who don't provide all documentation to the Tax Preparer and then get a letter from the IRS because of documents left off the return.

2. The IRS has a copy of every source document you receive (Form W-2, Form 1099, Unemployment, etc.). Therefore, if you don't provide a document to your Tax Preparer, it will most likely get caught by the IRS.

3. Manufacturing 'dependents' so you can claim more tax credits is illegal and can prevent you from receiving tax credits like EITC for 10 years even if you otherwise qualify. Therefore, it is best not to lie to your Tax Preparer and only claim true dependents.

4. The price of a return is based on forms used. The more dependents, income forms and credits claimed, the more the cost of the return.

5. Refund loans do charge high interest rates. Unless you absolutely had to have it, wait 14 days and don't pay the fees. You can't possibly leave the office and not see the fees - it's in the paperwork you are given.

It gets really, really annoying to read people's comments who get all kinds of tax credits (ie - EITC aka tax welfare) taken from hard-working people that get phased out of such credits and then listen to gripe and complain about the cost of the return and time you have to wait to get it. You should just be thankful that it's available to you in the first place.

However, a few weeks later after all was said and done, we needed to get a new truck and went to our bank, who we give copies of our taxes to and they said we did not make enough to be eligible for a loan. We looked at the taxes and realized that they (H&R Block) had only gone with the invoices I gave them and had not looked through the bank statements to complete our taxes properly.

So we went back to H&R Block and had the lady do them over and now we owe them money. That is fine, except now we will have a penalty for being late and we have had to amend the taxes, so it looks bad. Not to mention, it also affects the child tax I receive.

We asked that they (H&R Block) pay the interest, but the woman said no, she had done enough by helping us again.

On 3/04/11, I received a statement from Child Support Recovery, stating my refund was intercepted for back support owed by my husband. They had taken $3884.00. I went online to H&R Block to check my refund status. Their site told me that there was a delay in processing my refund. I called the IRS and H&R Block to find out what had happened. I was told I needed to file an injured spouse form to get this reversed. I did just that on 3/14/11 and paid another $31.00. I also sent copies of all tax info to Iowa IRS, so they had proof that I was the only one in my household that had worked in 2010. Still, nothing was reversed. At this point I'm baffled. I had done all that I was told to do and still nothing happened.

Meanwhile, I called Iowa to find out why I had not received the $314.00 from there. I was told that 171.00 was deposited into my account on 4/12/11. I called my bank and nothing happened. On 5/20/2011, I spoke with Iowa Dept. of Revenue. After verification of my bank account #, I was told, "No, it went into a different acct." I called the H&R Block 800 #. I was told it was probably applied to the preparation fees. I didn't understand how they couldn't know where my money had gone! I had received notices from the IRS that I was entitled to $248.00. Then one said $53.00 had gone into my acct. Once again, I contacted my bank and nothing happened. I called H&R Block and again heard the same thing. It was probably held.

After weeks of checking back with the IRS, I finally explained to the rep on the phone what had happened and what I had done to resolve the problem. She then put me through to the person that handled the "injured spouse forms". At that time, I was told "the form was filled out incorrectly". The agent at H&R Block had my husband as the injured spouse. I called H&R Block where I filed. And the rep looked it up and verified in fact it was. I went back to H&R on 6/01/11 and the agent refiled the form for me. The agent told me that the person that filed my taxes, to begin with, put my husband as the primary tax payer and me as secondary with $0.00 income. Wow...I was floored. So, when the first injured spouse form was filed, it was entered just as the tax return was husband first and myself second. I showed her the guarantee they offered. And I told her I should get my filing fees refunded at the very least. She got her manager. He said no it wasn't their fault, it's just the injured spouse form was wrong. But he gave me $31.00 and told me he had not been paid for the fees I owed .

I called Iowa and talked to the same person that confirmed that the 171.00 and the 53.00 went into H&R Block's account. The local manager argued with me saying "no, it did not". When I left, he was still on the phone with whoever handles the deposits and such (I am shortening this mess). I took the form to the post office and mailed it myself on 6/01/11. And I continued to wait. I was checking with the IRS about every 2-3 weeks. They were processing the form. I was then waiting for a date for it to go out. Last week of July, I called and was told my refund would go out on the 19th of August. I called on the 19th and was told it had been processed, but had no date yet for mailing. After being more than patient, I have had it. This entire mess is H&R Block's fault. And I feel I should have been refunded my fees plus interest. At least after having to wait for over 6 months, I have been advised to seek an attorney .

I do not know the exact mileage from Clearwater BC to Fort Saskatchewan AB. She used Google maps to find the mileage and was struggling with the site. When she finally figured out how to work Google earth, she made an error by typing in Clearwater, Florida instead of Clearwater BC; which Florida is approximately 6,000 kilometers further than Clearwater BC. She never confirmed her findings with me. I got audited this year and now they were saying that I owe 2,000 dollars back because of their mistake.

I'm a New Zealander living in the United States on a G4 visa (diplomatic visa). I am classified as my wife's dependent and work full-time for a non-profit. I had been faithfully filing my taxes since 2007 using Turbo Tax. When I found out in 2010 that I had been filing incorrectly, I went to an H&R Block Premium office and that's where my problems really started!

I paid about $800 to refile my taxes for 2007, 2008, and 2009. I paid another $200 earlier in 2011 to file my 2010 taxes. The H&R Block Premium tax specialist had told me that he was very familiar with this kind of filing and that as a non-resident alien; I was not eligible to pay deductions for FICA and Medicare. This was good news as I had been paying these taxes for 2007, 2008, and 2009 and I was looking forward to a massive refund. He also told me to ask my employer to refund FICA and Medicare for all of 2010 and to tell them not to deduct those taxes for 2011, which I stupidly did (who would have thought the tax specialist was wrong, right? I mean after all, it is their job to get this right!).

Well last week, my employer told me that they had retained legal advice and been advised that I was NOT eligible to withhold FICA and Medicare and owed over $7,500 in back taxes. I quickly reached out to the H&R Block Premium tax specialist who sent me an email saying, "It seems I was using outdated regulations". Now he's telling me that although he made a mistake and admits it was his, and therefore H&R Block's fault, there is nothing he can do to help. So I'm left holding the bag because I chose to pay these guys $1,000 to give me false and misleading tax information which set me up to paying heavy duty back taxes, penalties, and interest. I feel like my life is over and I don't know what to do. I don't have this kind of money.

When we went in to have our taxes prepared in February, we were given some shocking news. I was told by my tax preparer that I never should have been given that loan. I now have a 900 dollar debt with this bank. The interest on this loan is outrageous. No one ever intends to have to make payments on it, because the tax preparers don't give them the loan unless they will definitely have the money when their tax refund comes in.

So, I called on July 29th 2011, and was told that my old card was cancelled, but couldn’t understand why a new Bankcard was never put in their system to be mailed to me.

She ordered me a new card, and apologized for me being told the wrong information.

Saying sorry does not help my situation at all, and I was told a letter was sent to me on July 18th 2011, stating what is going on in the fraud case.

Again, I have not received such a letter, and I know H&R Block has my correct address because I received an affidavit in the mail at the same mailbox address. My name is Phyliciah *, phone number is number is *. My email address is *@gmail.com.

I told them that I was unaware of any "extension" as they call it of my christmas loan, and they said when I signed the paperwork in december the new "extension" option was made aware to me. I told them no. I wasn't made aware of that and how could they just manipulate me like that. They told me if I wanted to dispute it, I had to write to a PO Box for the bank. I got a bill AFTER they took that 300 and it was asking for a payment on the 300 "extension" so I feel as though I was misled about this whole thing. I agree I owe the 300 but they could have given me the terms and conditions of this so-called extension so I could make an informed decision as a consumer. Also, they could have provided that transfer of funds on my statement online instead of making them conveniently unavailable.

I called them and set up an appointment with the manager of HR block. She went over it and found that it was the preparer's fault. I received an annuity that year and she should've indicated I paid 3000 in taxes on it. But instead, she put a zero, like I did not pay taxes on that annuity. So I figured they would stand behind their mistake.

No, she proceeded to point out that I did not purchase the 30 dollar peace of mind protection plan. I asked what protection plan? I was never asked to purchase it. But I signed the waiver. A lot of people are tax dumb that is why we go to tax professionals to do our taxes. And they do them wrong and we have to pay--hard-working, middle-class American veterans like me! Please help.

When I went to get my paperwork, the manager took me in the back and shoved a sheet in front of me and said, "Sign here. " I said "No, I want to look at the papers first. $660 is too much. "He thought I was trying to steal his paperwork, so he (6 ft., heavyset) grabbed me from behind and squeezed me as hard as he could and pushed me into a corner and squeezed until I dropped the papers. I was screaming Help! Help! but no one came to help.

When he finally got the paperwork, the manager yelled, "Call the police! This is attempted theft! " I too, called the police to report an assault. When the police came, all the H&R Block employees lied and said that nothing had happened, that I was very problematic and had already been. (Yes, I was because I had filed a complaint). The police believed them. I was alone. I told the police that I'm a 60 year old university professor and had no motive to steal papers, I just wanted my W2, 1099s, etc. back.

The customers sitting up front heard me screaming but did nothing and the police refused to interview them. I did get my paperwork back and the police told me to get out. It was a civil case, they said. There were no cameras, so I have no assault case. When the police left, one of the women who worked there threatened me, saying, "We know where you live and your telephone number." I was assaulted by an employee or maybe franchise owner and I was humiliated by the New York City police. I would like for the press to pick up this story.

H&R Block declined my claim after 4 weeks. During the waiting time, I was never contacted by anyone at H&R Block. According to the representative that represented me during the claim process, there is nothing that I can do because my husband and I signed a form that lists the W2 what were turning in during the tax preparation, which pretty much releases H&R Block from liability of making any mistakes. So in other words, H&R Block is selling a product that takes consumers money and leave them with these IRS charges and fees. I am frustrated and desperately searching for current lawsuits against H&R Block. I found a Forum on www.Topics.com. I found other consumers like myself and my husband with similar issues with H&R Block. I am seeking your help to get to the bottom of this. Is H&R Block really selling Peace of Mind or is it a big scam? Please help us.

After paying $274.00 to H&R Block, I would have thought that this would have been done in the first place. So when I called them to address the issue, they told me that this is a new requirement that the government just passed a week ago. I told the lady, Pat, whom I spoke with that I find this very hard to believe and I felt that they were just trying to cover their mistake because the government isn't going to change the guidelines right in the middle of tax season. Pat allowed that the government will do what they want when they want. H&R Block is supposed to be a professional tax preparer and after being lied to, I will never trust them to do my taxes again.

I waited three days and called her back to find out what was going on. She answered my call by asking if I received Social Security. I told her that she knew I did because I am on disability and I told her when she completed my taxes, plus had it written down at the top of all my itemized deductions that I had listed for my taxes and had included the form SSA-1099-Social Security Benefit Statement with all of my other receipts. She said that I didn't have the pink form and I told her that I did. She then said that it looks like I will have to pay $3629.00. I told her that it was unacceptable. I called the manager, Ms. Claudia ** later that afternoon and she asked me to let her review the letter and my file and she would call me in the morning.

The next morning, she returned the call and then asked me to bring my copy of the taxes filed by them in 2010. I did take in my copy but did not let it out of my sight because I had proof of everything I said I had in this copy. It was clearly H&R Block's error!

Ms. Claudia admitted this and said she didn't know why Terry did not include my Social Security in my income but this was their error and they would pay all penalties and interest. I asked her if she will take care of this issue and she answered me that they will pay the penalties and interest, and I will have to pay the $3505.00. I told her this is not fair since it was clearly their error. She said that she understood but that they would only pay the penalties and interest, and they would file my 2010 taxes for free this year. I told her that I was not satisfied and I would call her in a day or two.

I already had an appointment to have Ms. Terry to prepare my taxes this year, but since this error, I decided that I would go back to my independent tax preparer that I had used previously to last years taxes. I thought I could save some money with H&R Block, which is the only reason I went to H&R Block to begin with. Well I saved $25.00 dollars on the filing fee with H&R Block to find out I now have to pay $3505.00 to the IRS.

They have refused to pay for this error that they made. I am on disability d/t Parkinson's disease and this has had a very negative impact on my Parkinson's symptoms. I am on a fixed income having to pay for an error that a company made that brags on their website that they file one out of every seven people's taxes in the country. Something is very wrong with this picture. Their advertizing is very misleading saying that they "Stand by our work, and will pay any penalties and interest owed due to an H&R Block error."

Every person I have talked to outside of H&R Block said they always thought that H&R Block would pay the entire bill if they made an error. I even contacted Support Services at H&R Block which was a waste of time. How can they continue to operate and do like this to people? They will never prepare my taxes again.

I cancelled my appointment with Ms. Terry this year and told them that I was returning to my preparer I used before. They offered to pay this bill and I told Ms. Claudia that if she wanted to do something, she could pay the $3505 because they were the reason I had to do this to begin with. I told her I would never advise anyone to use H&R Block again and I would go to the News Stations on TV or whatever I had to do to inform people. She said she understood but still could not do any more. It is not right for them to be allowed to do business like this!

I am going to have to pay $3505.00 and I am on a fixed income. I cannot afford this! Increased stress has occurred which exacerbates my Parkinson's symptoms.

On the 18th, there was the refund put onto the emerald card that I was given on the day of my filing. Now the emerald advance had a due date of Feb. 15th, the day that the advance had to be paid back before the late charge was applied. On Feb. 18th, I received my refund. I have since received a letter from the IRS stating that the refund was delayed because a tax credit was not applied by H&R Block computer during their calculations that entitled me to $400 more in my refund. Letter received in March 2 (H&R Block oops).

So on Feb.18, when I saw that there was too much money on my emerald card, I called # on card, and the payment service expert explained briefly that the IRS had given more money but that there was something wrong with their computers. My payment was not taken out of my refund and I needed to make a payment at that time of $561.34. Of course I did. I used my account # for emerald card. The gentleman promised that the computer would not make another payment when it was fixed, but later that day it did. (H&R Block oops) So I called back. Their response was, "well we'll give you a case # but they won't be able to work on it until Feb.22", after the holiday at which point it will take 7 to 10 business days to post it back into my account.

It is now today, 10 business days later and my money is still not on my account. So I called them again. Their response today is that it was not posted into the card that I have, it was posted into a different card which occurred on Feb.21st (H&R Block oops yet again) and now it will take 24 to 48 hrs for a card transfer. Absolutely it is my responsibility to repay a loan on time. It is my responsibility to pay any interest rates on that loan for untimely payments. But my issue is that the emerald advance is designed to give advances on a persons income taxes refund. It is also designed to be repaid by refund. So how many people's return was delayed by their computers mistake, causing all of us to have to pay an interest charge.

It would have received my refund on time, therefore repaying on time if it hadn't been for their mistake to begin with. I understand that because they didn't offer rapid refund this year that they lost business, but doing this shady thing does not seem fair. And how long can they hold my money before they have to start paying me interest? And now today, the person informed me that I would not be getting $561.34 credited back into my card, even though the rep on the morning of Feb. 18 said that what I owed was $561.34 and the automatic payment of $561.34 was deducted from my account as full payment on that day. The man today said that I would only receive $544.76. I am really tired of talking to them.

Every day, it is a different story. Can, essentially, a banking institution behave in such dishonest way? I doubt there is anything that you can do to help me. This is what happens when a person gets mixed up with dishonest, untrained and unprofessional people. But I just wanted to let you know that if someone else was really wronged by them, the person complaining is right. Believe what ever is being said about H&R Block

This problem is still going on until this date, however, they said the would file under the peace of mind insurance, yet nothing has been done. I have followed and completed every form or document requested of me.The manager of that location called me a stupid 'N' and that he no longer would be dealing with us. Charles ** is no longer employed with H.R. Block. I have filed several complaints at that location. They have sent me several letters of apology, yet nothing has been resolved. Please help me, the IRS has threatened to garnish my wages.

As a result of that error, I lost my state income tax return and it essentially went to my wife's ex husband whom we are currently in court with over a custody dispute.

They were not willing to waive the $234.00 I paid to have the taxes done. When I asked for the district manager's name, Jeannie ** told me she could not give this information out. I had to do research on my own to find out it was Sonya ** . After speaking with her, she informed that she too was sorry and people make mistakes. They are professional tax preparers and should not make these kinds of mistakes and then sweep it under the rug as if nothing happened.

I waited until the 12th and nothing appeared on my Emerald card, so I called back. I was told that they were still waiting for the IRS to process the payment. At this point I asked for a supervisor who asked what number I called for the IRS. I gave her the information and she said I needed to call a different number to find out what the hold up was on the IRS end. I called the number she gave me only to find out that it was a number for the Dept. of Treasury and they did not have my refund information.

I called Emerald Card Services again, this time, I got a person who stated that they were just waiting to post the funds to the card, and that the IRS processed it. He told me to wait until the 15th for the funds to post. This makes three weeks that I did not have my money when all the time I could have Turbo Taxed this and had the funds on the 11th.

Another thing, the "free" tax preparation is misleading because of it only being federal. People could misinterpret that as being free altogether. The gentleman who helped me was prompt but seemed to complicate things by explaining what I already clearly knew. I ended up paying a state fee of $41 that I could've paid another place and been treated much better as a customer. This is the second time that I've been wronged by this company. I've never heard of anyone making things as complicated as H&R does. They normally charge ridiculous preparation fees and I went because I thought I was saving money but ended up paying the same as if I would've gone someplace else. I received no apology for my horrendous wait. I will never go to these people again.

I called around the 21st to see if the money was on my card, but there was no loan or money. I called H&R Block to find out when was I to get my money and I was told on the 28th. Well, this is when the IRS releases funds. H&R Block is not telling customers they are going to get their money 15 days from the date we filed, which is the 14th, and that they are having to wait for IRS to release the money/checks. So all I know is that they ran false advertisements ever since Christmas. They are not honoring the 8 days they are claiming to get your money back in, and they can’t and won’t tell you about all that money they charge. all I’m saying is if I wanted to get my taxes back in 15 days, I could have gotten my taxes done for free by IRS because they are ripping folks off. The only reason I let them do my taxes was based on the advertisement they had in the window and they called me to let them do my taxes. I guess they are trying to be the IRS, they are holding people’s money up. Something needs to be done about them taking money from low income people.

I’m out of almost $500 fooling with them and their lies and I’m not getting my money back rapidly because that’s the purpose of the refund anticipation check. I’m having to pay their bank for my money that they lied about and bill collectors have been threatening me because H&R Block is telling me one thing and doing something else.

Well I wanted to e-file this year, but I got a call from them wanting me to go in. I told them I was going to do them myself this year, but would check them out. After all, I've been going there for the past 6 years and felt it was only fair to do. Well, I got in and went through all the motions and behold! no RAL, but a 2-week return is going to cost almost $400! I told them that it makes no sense, with the pricing that they have always used in the past. I was told that I was charged "per form". So it was $341 to HR, another $35 for the bank, and some other fees packed away. Now these are fine and dandy if we were getting the money ASAP like in the past, but we're not! It just makes no sense! I might as well go to Jackson Hewitt and pay that amount and get my refund in less than 48 hrs!

So after all this, me and my wife looked at each other and just agreed, no way! As it was going, the agent was already getting on my nerves, he just was not giving off a good vibe. I'm done with them and will not recommend anyone to them as the fees for a standard return cost as much as RAL's used to, and Jackson Hewitt charges just as much, but at least you get your refund ASAP. I suggest that you stay away unless you like paying for forms, bank fees, super high tax agent cost and waste time sitting on the chair!

So, with no income, we were counting on receiving the RAL to take care of many of our bills. Our tax preparer was made aware of our situation as she was going along and asking all the necessary questions to file our return. It wasn't until the very end of the "interview" when she asked us how we'd like to receive our refund, that we were informed "We no longer do the Refund Anticipation Loans". We were also left with the impression that it wasn't just H and R Block but other tax preparers also who are not doing the RAL. Had we been made aware of this change upon entering H and R Block last night, we would have sought to have our taxes done by a different tax preparation service. A simple sign on their front door stating the change would have saved us the stress of finding out we would not have our refund in time to pay our bills. My guess is, they are using the fact that most folks don't know they won't be able to get a RAL, to their advantage. We won't be doing business with H and R Block next year.

We have five kids and depend on that money every year. I feel that we should have been told before we went through with filing our taxes. Plus, they charged us over $400 to file. It has been 8 days and we still have not gotten our money! I will never use them again!

On 11/1/10, I called the local HRB (Trish), and was informed that my return was being processed, and to call back in a week, if I have not gotten my return. On 11/8/10, I called Trish, and she stated that Kristi said with all the amendments being submitted in October, it could take a while for me to hear something. I asked if they had any status for me, like did the IRS have my amendment? Was there an expected date they would process it? Anything! Trish said Kristi was out sick, and I would have to call her back on Wednesday.

On 11/9/10, I got smart and called the IRS myself! They have no record of my amendment. On 11/10/10, I called Kristi and pretty much told her that I am over this. I want HRB to refund me the money by Friday. After all, why am I allowing them to put this all on the IRS? They are the ones who ** up my return. I ended up talking to her manager, and then the local owner. Both proved to be totally useless. They wanted me to come in and sit with one of their agents, and call the IRS together. Why? They couldn't give me a reason. Finally, I just posted on Facebook to HRB. I am trying to find someone at corporate, who I can email, and who may care about the inadequacies of their Texas offices. On 11/11/10, Keith from HRB (online media) called and took all my information. They opened a case, and said I will hear from someone within 24-48 hours.

It was 11/15/10, when I called HRB because guess what, they never called me! I spoke to two people, and heard two different things! 1 said that Kristi was supposed to follow up with me. Why would they have her follow up with me? She is part of the problem! Number 2 person said she sees that HRB tried to contact me to close out the case. Really? Then why am I calling you? She informed me that someone would call me by the end of the day, but I could call back if I wanted. No one called and so I posted to Facebook again. I got a response via Facebook saying, I needed to contact the IRS. This is so ridiculous!

I called on Wednesday, I asked for a tracking number and I was told that they did not have one and are never given one but that the card was made on 11/8/10 and I would have it no later than Friday, 11/12/10. She also told me that they do not overnight that is why it would take a little longer. Today, I called and I was told that the card was not made and was not on the way. They would request another card and said “Sorry, ma'am!” I requested to speak with a supervisor. After a very long hold, the supervisor told me in fact that there was not a card made or on the way.

She told me that they do not overnight through FedEx and then later in the same conversation told me that they did in fact overnight but no one was available to produce the card until Monday and that I should anticipate receipt next Tuesday or Wednesday. I had to make arrangements to leave work early this past Wednesday and again today to receive this card that was never on the way.

At this time, they have had my $2,298.00 plus $419.50, which they claim they never received although the IRS confirmed that both amounts were deposited into the same account the same day, for over 2 years. I have been unemployed for the past 6 months and need that money desperately to pay my past due rent. I received my last unemployment check 2 weeks ago and recently started a new 100% commission job that I am still training for. I told Jessa, the supervisor, that I needed the money in my checking account today. She told me that was not possible and they would have to get me the pre-paid card.

When I asked for her supervisor, I was denied and told me that she was the top and that there was not anyone else above her and I was just out of luck. “Sorry, ma'am. There is nothing I can do”. I said that I wanted to be refunded the interest earned for the past 2+ years. She said she could request it but they were not going to pay it. From what I have read, this is common. How can they be allowed to continue to steal from people?

The person at World Bank was like, "You have the wrong number." So I called the 800 number again and they transferred me to this guy that sounded like he was a cab driver in a small booth and he told me basically that I was lying and that I would have to wait for a decision for 15 days and then hung up on me! Needless to say, 21 days later, I got my money back but the reps for this company are horrible and their fees are ridiculous. Another one to watch for the fees is Citibank. After dealing with the most outrageous fees and bad customer service from some of these so called banks (rip off artists), it makes me not want to deal with banks at all!

George made a gross error in our tax filing and now we have to pay the IRS $30,000 and $3,000 of that is in taxes. He put the same dollar amount in two places. It took 4 of the H&R Block staff (he wasn't there) to figure this out and even they couldn't believe his error.

This should have been double checked and caught by either an H&R Block tax preparer or by an algorithm in their software. We paid good money to have experts prepare our return to avoid errors and issues with the IRS. We are appalled and shocked.

Not only are we out $3,000 in interest that we are not at fault for since we paid H&R Block to help us avoid mistakes, but we have had months of back and forth with the IRS and H&R Block, letters, phone calls, etc. to get to the bottom of this. We have been very stressed about coming up with $30,000 to repay the IRS. H&R Block should be more accountable for errors they make and should have to pay all interest and a time and stress refund. They will never learn if they're not forced to improve training, audits, etc.

I just recently went in to H&R Block and Dan, the worker, said that I couldn't claim my stepson or my own son. I'm like why not he said that I had to bring proof in to prove I cared for them the whole year and a birth certificate for them and all this other stuff. He told me I shouldn't put down my stepson because me and his dad are not legally married and I told him that I didn't know that that's why I went to them. They should know that stuff, it's not my fault.

Everything was fine until this past week when we received a notice from the IRS stating that we did not qualify for that credit and that we were going to have to pay it back. We didn't know anything about paying it back. When we looked into it, we saw that anyone who got the credit in 2008 had to pay it back. We thought a credit was a credit not a loan. We don't even qualify like others for the 15 annual installments to repay the credit. We will be hit with penalties and interest, all because H&R Block Tax Cut and the IRS in 2008 qualified us.

We filed and was accepted before the April 9, 2008 enactment for the credit. We tried to talk to H&R Bloc Tax Cut, but because we had a computer crash and do not have the data file of our taxes anymore were told, "You need to make arrangements with the IRS to make payments, we can't help you." We do still have the hard copy of our taxes that year and worksheets plus the emails showing that we used their software that year to e-file our taxes.

I contacted the IRS and asked what date I put on it just to make sure, because the person from Tax Cut said I had made a date mistake is the only way I could have qualified. On form 5405 the date entered was Feb. 6, 2008. I put the correct date. We are being penalized for something that H&R Block Tax Cut and the IRS should have caught and told us that we did not qualify for. Please explain to us why this is happening. We can barely pay our bills and now the IRS wants what little grocery money we have left. We can't afford an attorney to help us. Please say you can, or know who can help us.

After they looked at the letter, they called me two days later and said there was nothing they would do about it, it was not their fault, the return was sent in wrong. Excuse me, that is what I paid them to do and paid for the coverage if they did anything wrong. Do not go to H&R Block. They do not honor their guarantees!

I called to speak to the manager, since now I have decided to go to a real CPA. Immediately, I am supposed to drive to the office show him the papers. I don't want anything to do with them. I just want my money back.

When on the verge of losing our vehicle, he called H & R Block back. They said, “Oh, we see where a check didn't get cashed; and a card didn't get activated.” He told them, "Because I never received either.” So, she assured him this is fixable. And the "manager" (if that's really who it was) promised to personally overnight another card. You guessed it - we never got it.

We lost our home, car, and had to move four times since he filed. We still have not received the money owed to us. There has been no explanation given for why we haven't received it. No one knows what's going on or why. Now, since it's the off-season, the office (the only one open) is open random days at random times. And getting someone (anyone) on the phone is equivalent to relocating heaven and hell. We are still diligently working on getting the money due. I beg off you - if you know anyone even thinking about going through H & R Block for anything, smack them! Tell them that if they want their life damaged or destroyed, go ahead. But if it's money they've worked for or money they need, seek help elsewhere. H & R Block are legal scam artists. If I could afford a lawyer, I would sue. But they haven't even given me money owed to my family, so I don't think they would pay court-ordered money.

Recently, I saw on the internet that a settlement was reached in 2006 or 2007 and I never received any money, no matter how modest. I believe that this may have been yet another scam and that perhaps attorneys involved in the settlement decided to pocket smaller payments, figuring this would go unnoticed. I have used H&R Block Tax Filing and Refund services for nearly two decades. If I was cheated or due compensation because of questionable practices by H&R Block, I want my designated share of the settlement. Again, no matter how modest that may be. I am sure if you know who handled the settlement claims, confirmation of my submission of the claims forms can be obtained.

I had to go to different tax preparer, paid them to do my taxes. Just received my refund in July, am going to send payment to HR Block but want it to be known they do bad business and highly recommend you use someone else.

This company is a scam. Their call centers are in the Philippines. Now it all makes sense. This happened August of 2010. I will never deal with this company again, nothing but a fraud. I filed a complaint against them with the BBB and filed a report with the FBI. I hope someone has the balls to investigate them. I can't pay bills, I can't pay rent, I can't buy food and I can't buy gas for my car to go to work. I had to cancel a gym membership because I do not have a valid account. No one will accept cash payments for gym memberships. This has cost me a lot of aggravation as well, I can't sleep either. I want all my money back and I want $500 in damages for all this.

It has been that long and we still have not received our refund. I have called numerous times and they say they are still working on it. After 20weeks of waiting, I called back and they had to put in a tracer and advised me it would be another 30 to check on our taxes. The 30 days will be up on September 3rd. This ordeal has been too much to handle and I am so angry with how H&R Block charged us $197.00 and wanted the payment right there and then and then charged me $25.00 for the amended form. This is an injustice. I refused to pay for the second amendment form. Well, needless to say, here it is August 2010 and yet no refund. This has caused us to wonder if we are going to owe anything on the original amount that they said we owed plus penalties. This mistake has caused me a lot of pain and anguish.

Needless to say, I was audited in July 2009 for the fiscal year of 2007 for an approx. fed return of $5,5k. At that time I contacted Rosalin, who never contacted me back. I became very concerned because in order for the "Peace of Mind" contract to be valid I had to notify H&R Block within 30 days. I ended up having to go to a local office and deal with a very incompetent individual named Lois.

In dealing with Lois during the audit period. She provided me several paths of advice as I was preparing all of the proof of purchases to justify the expenses, such as "send them a check for some of the amount so they know you are trying to resolve the situation", so at her advice I provided a check to the IRS/Dept of Treasury for $1,500. I then provided all details to the IRS for the audit at H&R Blocks direction (receipts, letters, emails from business contacts, etc.). I actually had a difficult time finding some expenses to match with the Schedule C that H&R Block prepared because of Rosalin's adjustments to my expenses. There were several months later I received notice from the IRS that they were not accepting a single cent of my expenses, and that I was to owe the amount of my 2007 tax return, plus interest, less the $1,500 that I had provided to them before submitting my audit paperwork.

At this point, I was very upset and confused, because I was under the impression that they would at least accept half of my very legitimate business expenses. It was as if all the hard work at trying to start a business and follow a dream was worthless, and not only did I waste money and time investing, but now I owed money because of H&R Blocks deceptions.

I continued to liaise with Lois for several months. Wondering what I was to do now, as she informed me they were going to dispute it. I don't believe she ever did anything and eventually after letters from the IRS threatening liens, I paid the "amount owed" in full. H&R Block continues to try and put the blame on me, but I continue to inform them "H&R Block prepared and filed my taxes, you should have asked me these questions when I presented these expenses."

starting talking about how her husband had a stroke, which is unfortunate, but I have been going through a year of hell and out $6k for jobs and services they failed to provide.

Because H&R Block is such a major corporation, I wouldn't stand a chance in court with them. Really frustrated, I really do not know which direction to go in. I have heard others with this same problem and wish there was some type of class action lawsuit against this evil company. I paid them for a service and they provided me guarantees and after 1 year nothing has been resolved.

Being a financial professional, I should have known better to go to this place, none of these people are CPAs. I would have been better of doing my own taxes like I used to. I got duped.

So far, I have had to close my checking account. This, of course, becomes complicated as I had both echecks and paper checks out. In addition, my tax refund was to be deposited to the now closed account. And my husband's paychecks are direct deposited to the now closed account. Additionally, I am currently without checks or a debit card until all of this is processed and received for the new account. But my greatest concern is what other information could have been obtained. The first efiling was not accepted by the IRS because there was incorrect information on the form. The incorrect information was put there by the preparer despite my having told him differently.

So I decided to gather all the papers and take it to a local office. That is when I talked to Donne **, another H&R professional. He didn't make it any better. He told me what was filed is wrong and told me that there is nothing to do but pay the fee. I told him that I thought it was wrong that my parents would have to pay for a mistake that they made while filing and that they should be responsible for that fee. He then told me that my parents should have invested $30 extra in the Care Free program that guarantee that if they made a mistake, then we would not have been responsible for it. Who would actually think that the consumers would have to pay more money to make sure a "professional" would not make a mistake that we would later have to pay for? I think it is wrong that my parents paid Nga $125 to file their taxes for them and get a letter saying they owe $396 because of her mistake.

Donne even made matters worse when he said Nga might of had a bad day or was tired and flew through my parents taxes. Seriously? I was livid when he said that. If she didn't want this job to prepare taxes, then why in the world is she there? This all happened just a few hours ago and I am still angry with them. It is ridiculous that consumers pay for a "professional tax preparer" to make a mistake that they will later have to pay for. We should not be liable for their mistakes.

H&R Block always have those promotional flyers & commercials stating that they are the "best". Well, this proves that they are not good at what they do and do not keep their word when they say they will pay for any mistake that they make. Needless to say that I will inform my family and friends to stay away from them. They have just lost our business.

I asked about repaying the loan. I told them I didn't have $1000 right then to repay the loan. They told me to call customer service. I called and spoke to an agent who informed me to make payments. I was making $50 payments which I could afford. I called them in May and informed them that I was going to be on Medical Leave from work and would not be able to make my monthly payments for about 2 months being that I would be on disability and would not be receiving my full pay. I was told that it would be noted and to resume making my payments in August. They didn't inform me this would go to collections or anything. I checked my mailbox and learned they had forwarded this account to collections. I spoke to collections and told them I could pay $50 what I was paying H&R Block. I feel this was a scam and they were not truthful from the beginning. They led me to believe I was getting a certain amount and then told me no I wasn't.

Next thing you know, my husband gets audited, now owes CRA almost $1000. So after working with CRA and figured out the issue, we addressed it with H&R. They had to get the file out from archives, review it, get our story again, have it up for review with management, have management confirm that there were several errors done and finally confirming that a cheque of less than $30 is owed to us to cover the interest. We were told that it would be sent to their office and that we were to pick it up when they called. Never got a call, so we called them looking for this cheque, not that it's going to change our lives, but it's the principal. They've told us that it was mailed out, which happens to be to our old address.

When my husband ask how it is possible, the receptionist proceeds to blame my husband for not having calling in our new address. 1.) We were suppose to pick up that cheque. 2.) We didn't file our 2009 taxes through them, so there was no reason to give them a change of address; and 3.) Common sense tells you that you always confirm the address. Anyhow, they don't know where this cheque is, if it's been cashed or returned. They are now launching an investigation. So as it stands, today, July 29, 2010, no cheque and still dealing with incompetent people. Their site states: "At H&R Block, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Copyright 2010 H&R Block Canada, Inc." And their maximum refund guarantee states: "Mistakes are rare at H&R Block." It's false advertisement.

In the Midwestern States, students are allowed to deduct room and board due to it being a disaster area. H&R Block's software error applied this deduction to all students, not just the Midwestern ones. I now owe the IRS over $900, payable by August 31 (30 days from now). H&R Block's promise to pay the interest and penalties only applies to balances paid before August 31, regardless of whose error it was.

As a student paying for my own school, I certainly don't have $900 to spare. I have to pay it out of my school money and hope I can replace it before the semester starts. This error was not mine. I provided accurate information in a timely manner. H&R Block and the IRS offer no way for me to pay this back in installments and avoid outrageous interest and penalties.

Getting $2,595 back was wonderful for us, it helped pay some bills. Getting $2,488 would have been wonderful too. It's one thing to never get the money, however once you have gotten it and used it, having to come up with money now is not only hard but unfair. What is the point of paying "professionals" if they can make a mistake and not have to worry about what it cost us. It seems that they should have to have some type of liability insurance to cover their mistakes.

I received a letter last week informing me I was missing information so I sent back the forms that were never given to me at h&r block and now I am being told by the IRS that my income tax return was never processed because of the missing information, so I have to wait an additional 16 weeks. Please help me, I need it. I do not know what to do. I am so upset about this.

Our daycare expenses were entered in twice! Really!? I thought going to a company that specializes in tax preparation could ensure that the $208 I pay each year was giving me "peace of mind" that they could provide accurate services. My husband and I have both had to supplement our income with part-time jobs, we are honest, hardworking people with 3 children and a mortgage, this has truly been a nightmare.

It still shows this even though HR block's letter denying my claim about their faulty software still shows the same error. I will never use the software again and I will discourage whomever I can from doing the same. Now, I owe IRS and after filing my taxes I paid of $25K in bills and this would have been one of them so there would have not been any IRS debt or interest. HR Block is wrong for not admitting their software has issues and as soon as I find a site to download this sorry letter they sent me, I will.

I had a question about our state return and set a second appointment to speak to my so-called tax advisor, who promptly informed he had been preparing tax returns for over 20 years and my return was correct. So I wrote my check and sent it to the Comptroller of Maryland and forgot about it. To my surprise, I received another bill from Maryland stating we owed another $773.90 in unpaid taxes and accessed a $25.07 interest penalty and a $77.39 late fee. If I had known we owed additional taxes, I would have paid them. H&R Block charged us more than $500.00 to prepare a married filing jointly return only to screw it up. My confidence in their ability has been shattered. I will never use their services again.

I have the amendment papers ready to mail off but I have to sign them first and look over them. I would not advise anyone to deal with this company because they are revealing to be a scam. This is a very economical burden for me now, when the monies were available right after I filed. The cost of living is forever expensive as I have two children and one of them is in college. I am sleep deprived and worried that the IRS will demand all of the money at one time which they can request. I don't feel that this stress is my fault and can deeply depress me already. I feel I have failed again in life due to someone else's negligence.

I left and decided to call back and complain to a manager and of course, the manager is this same gentleman, Rick. I told him who I was and apparently he couldn't remember me from 5 minutes prior so I further explained who I was and asked his name, store number and bosses' name. He chuckled and started giving me the info and said he didn't know his bosses name. He sarcastically said he didn't have a phone number to corporate. They called the store.

I felt it needed to be addressed. I just hope it gets mentioned to him not to lie to customers that drive so far out of their way to do business and blows it single-handedly. He had no problem going somewhere locally to print what we needed but as a manager and the example for the rest of the store was appalling.

We called the service number for help with this issue on 27 May '10 and filed a complaint and established a case number with them but to date (17June10), we have not even received a return phone call. We have lost $245 for the fees we paid H&R Block to fill out our taxes, which they screwed up. We are also out $200 for having our accountant fix our income taxes and file an amendment and we are still uncertain of the backlash from the IRS.

In 2010, the Franchise Tax Board put a lien on our bank account and took the money saying we owed $800. I went to H&R and they said they would take care of it. Franchise Tax refunded our bank money and H&R told me that Franchise Tax did our taxes as individuals instead of joint therefore the higher tax. They also told me they had only sent one tax return, mine not my wife's.

In June 2010, we received a notice that Franchise Tax had taken our 2010 return and added it to the amount owed. I went to H&R and left a copy for Ruth and heard nothing. Three days later, I called and left a message, nothing. One day later, I called and left a message, nothing. I went in to the office the next day and she did not even know who I was and told me she would try and get it today! What do I have to do to get them to fix this quickly?

May 11, 2005, "H&R Block will pay $360 million to settle a class action lawsuit over its tax-refund loans under the terms of a proposed settlement. The company says the settlement gives it a green light to continue the practice in the future."

In March of this year 2010, we received a notice from the IRS stating that we owe $4,900+ to the IRS. So I pulled out the 008 file, began researching, only to find out that my return doesn't match what the IRS states as income. I went to the nearest tax office. Our return was reviewed, a letter drawn up and all supporting documents were sent to the IRS. After a few weeks, I received another letter. The IRS wanted copies of all of the W2's, mailed those again. I received another letter from the IRS. Nothing changed they are sticking to the first letter, that we owe money. I went to yet another HR office, only to find out after several weeks, that I have to contact HR Block about this, have to fax all documents received and sent to IRS. This claim will take an estimate of 4-6 weeks to investigate. I used the software trusting the name and experience before.

The lady at IRS stated that she sees this all the time, returns not transcribing properly, and items not matching. Now HR Block is calling this a "digital error". Doesn't that mean it is something with the software? So HR Block rep at the 800 number advised us to pay the tax bill and once the case is investigated, if there is any liability on their part, they will reimburse us. First of all, I don't have $4,900+ just laying around to give to the IRS, especially the IRS. So I guess we have to wait. Hope this is taken care of before next tax year.

With the state of the economy and living paycheck to paycheck, something would have to suffer. Ok for instance don't make the car payment for, let's see a year to pay the IRS. I see a car repossesion in 3 months, now I can't get to work. I don't buy groceries for my kids, I see a visit from CYS. I don't pay the mortgage in order to pay the IRS. I see yet another foreclosure to be added to the millions already. It is an endless circle!

So when filing my 2009 taxes, I decided to not use the online software and paid to have an H&R Block representative file my taxes for me. I also took in my 2008 taxes to have any corrections/amendments made to it based on the issues I experienced initially in its filing. I paid H&R Block to have the rep refile or amend my 2008 taxes to make the filing correct. As I am not a "tax expert", I assumed and trusted them to make the correct filing based on the information they have as a professional tax service.

The consequences I have experienced as a result have just made themselves known. I am in contract to buy a home and my lender contacted me on June 4, 2010 to ask me if I filed my 2008 taxes as their underwriting group has not found a 2008 filing for me. I told him I did through H&R Block and had no idea why IRS would not have record of my filing. My lender gave me the IRS phone number and I spent an hour on the phone with a couple of their reps. It turns out that H&R Block filed an amended tax return for 2008, while the IRS never received an original return for 2008. When I contracted with H&R Block for tax preparation services, I did not know what's needed to be filed for 2008. I am not the tax professional and trusted their professional decisions and advice.

As a result, this may set back my closing date on the loan by 12 weeks. This is an incredible inconvenience. To make matters worse, I am a first time home buyer eligible for the $8,000 home buyer credit. My anticipated loan closing date was the last week of May 2010/first week of June 2010. At this time, based on IRS processing time for the 2008 paper filing, the return is estimated to take 12 weeks. This delay will cost me $8,000, not to mention, time frustrations and delaying a simple closing by 3 months.

What he did not tell me was that you had to sign a "Peace of Mind" paper in order to get this coverage. Although, I double checked that everything would be covered before I left the office and had all my concerns confirmed by Tom, he never presented me with the form. Now, I am responsible for his two errors. Calling their office location gets you a phone number that rings off the hook.

What part of this does H&R have to be accountable for? According to them, nothing. I did receive a $75 coupon for our next visit. That doesn't cut it. It wasn't our fault. They should have made sure the form was in there. Beware.

They have done nothing to correct the matter and I don't know if at this point if they are going to pay the penalties and interest due from their mistake. Never again will I ever take my taxes to H&R Block and will warn everyone I know to take them elsewhere or learn to do it themselves. Instead of a refund this year, I owe and don't know where I will come up with this money, H&R Block will not cooperate at all, so much for their "guarantee", it's false advertisement.

Well, a few moments later, I get the information. My tax forms were sent through their Error Department twice! I am totally dependent on that money right now, and because they messed up, there’s a chance I might lose my job because a car is required and I have to get a tune-up or it won't run. I am so, so angry that I paid that kind of money and all they did was screw me over. I’m very upset! I am about to be given a pink slip because I need a car (traveling job), and I also need a phone for my bosses to contact me. I have been reprimanded a few times because I was not available when they needed me!

4/22/10 - Received call from Block Corp. stating they had no idea why I was calling, related story to them, was told I'd have to file amended return. Told them I'd already returned forms but felt they needed to take the responsibility and that I wanted my money immediately. WS told she didn't like my attitude and was hung up on. Called local office again and told them what was going on, said they would get back with me. Nothing yet.

They insisted that it was the right thing to do, so I did. In January of 2008, I received a letter from the IRS, saying that they would like to have a talk with me in my home, of all places. After con firing with H & R block, they said that under no circumstances, should I have them in my home, and that their CPA would take care of it. After a couple of months, they decided to redo my taxes, and then told me that I would be getting back the money I paid .in the amount of $2400.00.

Needless to say, I was delighted and promptly used the money I thought I was getting into home repairs. Several months went by, and the CPA who happened to be in the IRS office for another matter, was told by the IRS, that I was not getting the refund, in fact, that I owed $2,900.00. Since they kept adding on penalties, I paid $2974.16 before December 31st, with the understanding that H&R block would refund me the money. Both H &R Block, and the CPA ,admitted that they made the error on my taxes. It is now the end of April, and I am still waiting for my money. Every time I go in, I am told that it has been approved, and it is coming. I am a widow, and in need of those funds. To make matters worse, Mary did not do my taxes last year, even though she had the information she needed a month in advance. She called me on tax day, and said she couldn't get to them, and filed an extension. I am finding out that the extension is only good for 6 months, and this is over a year.

Every time I go in, I get the runaround. I had to have knee surgery, and was out of commission for almost two months. I am always told that I will hear from her, and I never do. I am at my wit's end, and don't know where to turn. I was told that I have to go to the corporate office, but I am getting the runaround there too. If there is anything you could do for me, I would be very grateful. I have been paying taxes for over 60 years, and have never ever had problems with the IRS. I would appreciate your consideration. I am out of money I can ill afford, and the stress of the entire situation has not been good to my high blood pressure.

Time went by, so around mid January 2010, I was balancing my checkbook and had noticed that H&R block had not cashed my $62.00 check yet. So, I called H&R to see why. I was told by the same person who did the work that we had a zero balance with H&R. She had no idea why the check hadn't gone through, since her records showed that we had been paid in full. We were advised to write the check off as a void (this didn’t make much since at all). We are paid in full.

So 3 weeks went by and I was balancing the checkbook again, and had noticed the H&R had cashed my check after telling me I was paid in full. I called H&R and talked to the same lady. Her answer was, “So and so didn't call you. We found your check under our cash register 3 months later.” And they cashed it anyway. I was told that she had not had all the information in front of her at the time that I called to check on the check. So in other words, her first mistake is my fault.

Around this time as well I called the IRS, just wondering if H&R cashing my check late would affect the $8000.00 that we are supposed to be receiving. That was when I was told for the first time that there were some complications with our amended return. But no one could tell me what they were. The only thing that I was told was that there was something missing, that I should be expecting a letter in the mail, explaining what paperwork was missing. Also, I was told that my account would be put on hold for 30 days, in time to respond to the letter. At this point I called H&R to see if there was anything that they could tell me or knew of what was going on, since they were the ones who put this paperwork together. I was told I would just have to wait for the letter.

When the 30 days was up, I called the IRS back and explained the situation again. First, I found out that the address they had for me in their system was the address that I lived at in 2008, rather than the address of the home that I just purchased. The only thing that the IRS customer service agent could tell me is what I already knew, something was missing. The agent was trying to be helpful, since I had my 2008 amended taxes in front of me. The agent and I went through them and discovered that I was missing a 5405 form, in my copy. So, the agent put in another inquiry. Well, my account was put on another 30 day holding period, while waiting for this letter and having found out new information.

I called H&R block again and explained to them the new information I had received: involving the wrong address in the system and also that I was missing a 5405 form. I simply asked if this was the issue that I have not received this check or letter. Would they consider returning the $62.00 that we had originally paid to have this service done, due to the fact that it was their mistake? H&R response was, “We are not able to return your money, until it is proven that it was their mistake, and this is all waging on that letter to arrive.” Another 30 days passed without this letter. I went to H&R Block with every piece of paper work that they had given me. I sat down with an agent and within 3 minutes she gave me a copy of my 5404 form and instructions on what I should bring to the local IRS building.

Over that weekend I received a packet from the IRS stating that my first time home buyers tax credit of $8000.00 is going to be disallowed, due to no response to the letter and missing paperwork which I have, till this day, never received. That next Monday I went back to H&R and showed the same agent I have been working with from the beginning of all this the packet I had received. Her response was, “Well you should have brought that letter in sooner.” Once again I explained to her that I have never received a letter, and if I had, I would have brought it in. Obviously, she was not listening to me. I asked her if she could help me. She just threw her arms up in the air and said, “No. Nothing I can do.” Once again I asked if the local IRS is able to find out what paperwork is missing, and it turns out to be a fault on your part. Will you return my $62.00? The response was, “Personally I can’t return your money for any reason.”

At this point, I asked for her manager’s business card. I left and went to the local IRS building. Once again I explained the situation. The IRS agent was able to pull up my file and discovered that the settlement paper was missing. He then made a copy of the settlement papers, and wrote a letter briefly explaining the situation, and why I had not responded to the letter. He faxed them to the IRS. That’s where I am at now. H&R block will not take any responsibility for not including the settlement papers. This agent has 30 years of experience. How could you not include the only other paperwork that needed to be included? It’s in black and white right in front of her, and she still will not admit that it's a mistake by her, that has caused this delay. We were told by the IRS that they received our amended taxes on October 27, 2009. That money has been sitting there also for 6 months now, earning interest that we are going to have to pay taxes on next. I know that $62.00 isn't a lot of money, but I believe it's the whole point of taking responsibility for your actions. Until this day April 21, 2010, I have still not received a letter, check, or a sorry, or acknowledgement of fault from H&R Block.

I was lied to and told it would be there in an hour. It was not so I called back and was told I would need a new card because I was using the wrong one. When I asked how that is possible, the people at account services told me because they mailed me a replacement card. We then argued about what address it was sent.

After 20 minutes arguing that the card was sent to an address I do not live at the man with the heavy accent that was "assisting" me admitted that yes it was mailed to the wrong address. Now that I finally do have the money on the card, my card was retained by an ATM I attempted to use. I put in the proper pin # one time and lost the card on Friday.

I went in the bank talked to the Emerald Account Services yet again and received my card back. Today, Tuesday my card doesn't work. When I asked the representative why I was told there was a hold placed on it Friday. They didn't tell about a hold when I called from the bank, the card worked all weekend. My husband and I are separated and filed jointly so when I called to get it fixed, they wouldn't even let me because his name appears 1st on the account. I will never use Emerald again and recommend that no one else does.

The preparer did not have the training or skills to do a return involving real estate. I said I would return later to pick it up and did not. They wanted $419.00 to prepare it. I went to an enrolled agent, paid much less and got it done for $130.00. I have since heard similar stories from friends. H&R Block sent me a bill, which I am not about to pay. But I have to go through an involved process. I need to fill out a form with all the information, mail it in, allow them to investigate the situation with the location I used and then they will get back to me to let me know what they are going to do. Never again!

I spent approximately 45 minutes with Jonathan who assured me that H&R Block guaranteed accurate tax filing with a direct deposit of my refund to come within two weeks. After several weeks without seeing the refund, I followed up with H&R Block and was told that Jonathan made an error in filing the return which resulted in a delay of my refund. While I was disappointed, I was willing to accept that mistakes occasionally occur and was glad to see that H&R Block accepted responsibility for their error.

Fast forward one year. In April of 2010, I received a letter from the IRS stating that my gross income had been miscalculated in my 2008 tax return and as I result I owed additional taxes and was not longer eligible for the first time home buyers credit. The amount owed to the IRS is over $3300. The miscalculation was a result of my 1099R not being filed/ listed with my return. Jonathan at H&R Block had all documentation including the 1099R so I was shocked to see that he had not included the distribution in my return. I went to H&R Block because they promote themselves as tax professionals and guarantee accuracy. In fact, on your website, which I have subsequently visited, it explicitly states: "Absolute Expertise. Up-to-date knowledge, extensive training and state-of-the-art technology ensures we get your taxes done right."

Upon receipt of the IRS letter, I immediately contacted H&R Block confident that you would take responsibility for your error. I worked with Manson at the H&R Block location at 2700 NE Sandy Blvd. My 2008 tax return was amended and I was told that I did in fact owe the additional taxes and while H&R Block would not charge me for amendment services they were not going to take responsibility for the miscalculation. When I inquired about the guarantee of accuracy that is heavily promoted in all of your marketing material I was told that I had not purchased additional insurance and as such H&R Block would not be taking responsibility for your error. I was never informed about additional insurance at the time of my original filing.

I made a choice to use H&R Block because of the accuracy guarantee and positioning of tax expertise. I am extremely disappointed that you do not own up to a mistake that one of your employees made and have made misleading statements in your promotional materials.

When I went through his paperwork, I found that they had sent my father a letter with a "standing" appointment for this year's taxes. They have been ripping him off for the last 4 years. Yes, my father went there willingly; however, they should have turned him away or referred him to the local Office on Aging. Instead, they treated him like a pigeon! Smiling at him while taking his money! I contacted the Office on Aging of Somerset County who recommended that I contact you.

Help! Please, these people should be put on notice about taking advantage of other people like my father, who really has nothing of value. He's a widower and will talk to anyone and doesn't realize/or won't accept that it makes him an easy mark! Please contact me with any questions you may have. Thank you!

When I inquired on why this is so outrageous I was told by the prepared that he does not determine how much to charge. I believe that H and R Block is luring in customers and ripping them off by commanding these huge fee's after the fact. Just as they are capable of asking you a series of predetermining questions in the beginning of the appointment, they are capable of prescreening and offering the consumer a rough estimate in the beginning of what fees to expect. I was never offered an opportunity to decline to continue the appointment.

I was offered to have the taxes sent and the fee's subtracted when I received the refund...and of course for an additional fee. This is one big money making scam after the next. I called the regional office to file a complaint. I received a call back from a rep by the name of Nira. She proceeded to tell me that I should not have continued with the appointment. My response was that I was unaware that I could do that and no one told me it was an option. She said "Unfortunately, the office would not tell you that"!

I am outraged that the staff withheld this valuable information from me which was my right as a consumer to know! What outrages me more is the fact that I cannot afford to spend money in this manner. My taxes reflect a yearly income of about $22,000. I am an unemployed single mother and I feel as if I was preyed upon. I was able to find additional grievances online similar to mine and h and R Block should be penalized for its unlawful and immoral practices. Please consider this information and help me obtain justice. Thank you in advance.

The first rep we spoke to, Lisa **, was (besides being dressed to go night-clubbing) demonstrably and quite obviously incompetent; repeatedly asking other reps to help her understand what she was doing. When we questioned the numbers, she became defensive and sharply commented that we should defer to her opinion. The second and third reps who worked on our not-that-complicated return were less offensive, but again gave us different numbers with very little technical explanation of our questions

Needless to say, we are totally without confidence in the accuracy of our tax return this year, and we will be paying more money for a private, real tax accountant to check and amend it. To add insult to this frustration, when I privately (to my spouse in the cubicle), after this marathon ordeal at about 9 PM on April 15th, expressed my opinion of their incompetence, Lisa ** stood up from across the room and began verbally berating us, yelling that she was a professional and that she wasn't going to take comments like that from us.

Her manager and other reps had to pull her away. No one apologized to us. If I were managing this site, Lisa would have been fired on the spot. This is the most unprofessional company I have ever done business with. They clearly hire unqualified people off the street, there is very little supervision or quality control, and we ended up with a tax return that is likely late (the post office doors were closed by the time H&R Block was done with this nonsense) and likely incorrect. I have filed a complaint with the FTC as well, and my spouse pointed out that now there is a deranged woman out there with all of our personal information in her possession. H&R Block offered no assurances or apologies. The other reps in the room simply avoided eye contact with us after her ravings.

I was assured over the phone and in person that because I was using only one W-2, I would only be charged the basic $39 rate. I then explained to the representative that I was concerned about how much I would owe to the IRS because I was laid off from December 2008 to November 2009 and I elected not to have taxes taken from my unemployment benefits. She then assured me that my circumstance was still straightforward and she couldn't foresee not processing my tax return for the basic price advertised on television.

My scheduled appointment was Saturday, April 10 at 11:30am. The first 10 minutes with the H&R Block representative were spent assuring me she would take great care of me, reviewing the documents the previous two representatives suggested I bring with me, and pressuring me to sign a document that stated I would pay the fees charged after my tax return was processed. The final 10 minutes were spent watching her use my one W-2 form, the 1099-G form and a mortgage tax statement I was told was needed to determine if the amount I owed would increase or decrease based on the information on the statement.

After a total of 3 minutes (if indeed it was that long) of watching the H&R Block representative use Turbo Tax software (which she asked if I used when filing in prior years) she pushed enter, printed out my tax return and gleefully announced I did not owe the IRS and would receive a refund of $595. She then pushed the final button on her keyboard which resulted in a fee screen appearing with what I can only state was outrageous! $171.50!

She stated the fees are calculated by some fancy H&R Block software which determines the fee according to how many documents they use to process your tax return (remember, each time I spoke to a representative and told them "my story", they insisted I bring additional documents because otherwise just providing the amounts in my head to place into the system would be insufficient even though I knew them to be true).

She then handed me a "price list" (which no one bothered to show me prior to signing the ridiculous legal form and she would not let me leave with a copy of the price list) and uttered some crack-head gibberish that made no sense about my 1099-G and mortgage statement not being on the price list but the software calculated the fees anyway and bada-bing bada-boom, $171.50.

With the hope of making the look of utter dismay disappear from my face, she then added, "of course H&R Block only charges you to the nearest dollar amount so it's only $171 even") and quickly picked up all the paperwork (she generated) and walked immediately to the front of the office to process my payment. I begrudgingly paid the absurd fee. However, the more I have thought about it, the more I see that H&R Block is like the rest of the money grubbing greedy bottom feeders falsely advertising services for less while all the while scheming the average consumer out of their hard earned money and needs to be stopped or at best "outed" for being no better than common con-artists. H&R Block ripped me off and I know I can't be the only one.

By Thurs, 4/1/10, we hadn't received anything from her so I called the office, spoke with Cindy and she said it should be arriving soon. I called again on 4/3/10, still no paperwork. Cindy said the runner had just picked it up that day and would have it by next week. We didn't get anything on Monday, waited until Tuesday, nothing. So I called. The lady who answered the phone said Cindy was with client and would take a message and have her call me back. She called later saying it was on its way. Wednesday, nothing. Again, I called, left message to call me. She didn't return my call that night. Thursday, nothing in mail. I called and this time I told the lady who answered that I wasn't leaving any messages since Cindy didn't return my call yesterday. She put me through to Cindy. Cindy said she didn't know why we hadn't received it but would look into it. By Saturday, nothing in mail.

So on Monday, 4/12/10, I took work off and went to H&R Block. Cindy wasn't there. I spoke to the lady at reception area, telling her my plight, then another employee, Barb, overheard what I was saying and took me back to a workstation. She got into the computer and looked up our return. Cindy never made any adjustments to our return. She sent it just we had seen it Saturday morning. I asked Barb why would Cindy have lied to us all this time? She said she didn't know but would talk to Cindy later that day.

Tuesday evening, I got a call from Barb saying Cindy did the amendment but we would have to pay what we initially had to, then send in the amendment for the refund. I said I could pick it up and there was no charge. I told her there shouldn't be a charge. It wasn't our fault, plus we already paid them $233. I picked up the amendment Wednesday and when the lady thanked me, I told her we would never be back and I was going to tell everyone I know about this situation. These are suppose to be professionals working for H&R Block. Evidently, they are not. Maybe H&R better start training more and checking on their employees. In all the years we dealt with them, I never doubted what they did. Now, I wonder what else they screwed up and that's why we were always paying so much. Just think twice before using H&R Block.

Seven weeks went by and I hadn't received anything in the mail yet so I called Pat to see if everything was fine and that was when I found out that I was supposed to mail the returns in. Now at this point, I am steaming mad because I paid over $350 for something I could have done myself at home and expected them to take care of everything. I called to see if I could get some of my money back and was told absolutely not because it's just a given that when mailing is mentioned at anytime then it's on my side to do it. I felt like I was treated unfairly and was just pushed out of the door. I will never go back to H&R Block and my girlfriend said she is never going to go there again. They messed up because we would have continued to go there the rest of our lives which adds up to a substantial amount of money that they are going to lose. I had to pay the $353 up front and make myself late on my mortgage payment which in turn hurt my credit.

I spent over three hours in the office. H & R Block charged over $500.00 to waste two hours of my time. When I called to file a complaint, the lady who returned the call was defensive. She told me scheduling errors happen and offered to give me a discount on having my taxes done next year. I said "no thanks", why would I return to a place that charged me and wasted my time for their mistake?

I requested their corporate headquarters address but no one was able to access it. The manager offered to look at my return to see what was going on and said that she might be able to refund some of my money. When I returned three hours later, she looked at me blankly and said that she hadn't looked at it yet, and I said, "Forget it, I'm heading out of town and I don't have time for this." She handed it to me without a word.

Also, at the beginning of the meeting, I was handed two sheets to sign--one was an arbitration agreement which I signed and the other was a sheet that I was told I must sign in order for them to do my taxes. I read it thoroughly and it was basically a consent for them to sell you services--savings account, IRA, etc. and use your information for marketing purposes. It said plainly on the form that you don't have to sign it and if they make you sign it, then your signature is void.

I pointed this out to the woman who did my taxes and said that I am not signing it and she said that I had to. I refused and she went to the manager and came back and said I didn't have to do it. I said I know. She said that this, she never knew, that it wasn't mandatory to sign the form. $270 is way more than I have to pay someone to do my taxes when there are much cheaper options out there such as Turbotax.

I arrived at H&R block with three W2's one from Catskill Regional Medical center, one from the state of New York and one from Paradise Cove here in Yuma. She went through what seemed like the usual process. I signed the forms as always without reservation as I never had an issue prior. I trusted them. I was offered the "peace of mind" for an extra $30 and declined as again I never had a reason to worry. I was told I was approved for the RAL and given a number to call to check the status. I was informed it would be 1-2 days. I was charged the amount of $423 for them to do my taxes. I did not receive my RAL in 1-2 days. When I called the number provided, it was denied. I called H&R block and was told it was more than likely due to being out of state. I did not receive any compensation for that from H&R block nor did I pursue it.

I finally received my tax return. It may have been close to 10 days and thought it was done for another year or so I thought. I received a letter from the IRS the end of December of 2009 explaining that I owed them $1,156. Since I did not understand why I received this letter, I called and spoke with Barbara. She asked me to bring the letter in to her and being it was New Year's eve, she requested I bring it the Monday after that. I agreed. I brought the letter to her and she informed me that she would call me and let me know what the problem was. During that time, my parents were visiting from New York and while I was at work, my mother received three phone calls from Barbara on 1/5/2010 that she "lost" the letter from the IRS and needed me to give her another copy of it. I faxed the copy to her the following morning and followed up to make sure it was received. She stated it was.

After a few days, she called to inform me I did not claim one of the W2's and that was the problem. I was more than baffled as I gave her all three. She told me I "should look around." I asked her where I gave them to her. I checked the envelope she gave me and it was not there. I called and informed her. She stated she would have to amend it and I would owe them. I know I brought them all in to her. In fact, I took them out at her desk, with my ID that she did not ask for. She was shuffling papers all over while she was putting the information in. I was paying attention to my nine-month old grandson so I did not see what she did. After days of going back and forth and given different amounts owed and different information by different staff, I requested to speak with a manager that was the end of January. Her name is Birgut. She is the "owner." She passed the problem for Rosario to handle a manager from another office. Weeks went by with no information. I called and was told by Rosario "someone from my staff was supposed to call you." No one did!

They were still "waiting" and "don't worry we will take care of it." After a month or more of being patient, I called to speak with the owner. I was given Birgut. She assured me they were working in it. I asked that this matter be resolved as it was being dragged on long enough. I was asked on several occasions, "Do you have peace of mind?" My reply was, "No, I do not," as I declined it when asked. Come to find out, I found in looking at my records that in fact I was charged for it so I did have it and no one even found it and I am sure did not bother to look I brought that to their attention. Their response was "a mistake in your favor." I was told I needed to sign an amended return. Birgut stated she would bring them to the office closest to me so I would not have to go out of my way once again. There I met with Janet, another office manager. She was helpful and did try to explain things. I was told I had to pay the state of Arizona $39 which I did. I was charged $68 for them to do my tax for this year. I was assured there would be no problems. The IRS is taking my tax for this year which was only $829 as I don't make very much here in Arizona. I have received letters from the IRS stating I owe them more then $1,500. I am told to fax them to Birgut and Janet and I did and I continue to hear nothing.

On 4/12/2010, I received a call from Janet explaining my refund was declined due to an "error code 511" which means someone "claimed me as a spouse" so now the money they were going to take has been declined as well. Yet another mistake! They were informed in 2/09 I have been separated from my husband as of 2007. We live in separate states so they filed this years incorrectly as well. I was informed by Birgut that I have to "wait to see if the insurance company approves it," "anything I can send will help with my case." My case? Send them what? I gave them my W2's. I have nothing. They made the mistake in the first place which snowballed into other mistakes. In the meantime, my taxes for 2008 are all messed up. I owe money I should not owe. There have been several mistakes made and I have been bounced around from one person that has no clue to another. I do not get calls returned. I get "I didn't forget about you we are still waiting" as per Birgut.

I am stressed to the max about this and no one from H&R block has resolved this nor have I been refunded the money they owe which I still have no idea what the amount even is as I never get a straight answer from them and I am still in limbo. The end of April will be four months I have been stressing over this. I know what I brought with me when I filed 2/09. I know how much they charged me which was a lot of money and still no one can explain the charge. I know that I paid for "peace of mind" I declined and is doing me no good. I know they made several mistakes and I am paying for it. I was given a number to call the IRS. Should they not have to take care of that? That is what I paid them for. I do not understand the tax laws, period. What I do know is I have the IRS breathing down my throat. All I am asking for is for this matter to be resolved. They made a mistake, they should fix it, pay the money owed and move forward. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer or even the right direction as I am at a complete loss with them. I look forward to hearing from you.

We, as employees, are required by law to show each client the differences in costs and time frames of getting loans versus not getting a loan and waiting for your funds. It is very clear, explained several times, and put in writing on the computer screen during the interview and in two different paper documents.

Direct deposit of your funds is usually quite quick. I, myself, would choose that option, and it doesn't cost anything extra. If your funds are taken for money you owed, you owed it. Own up to it. That's one less bill you owe. If you are strapped for money - Refund Anticipation Loans to get your funds quickly are an extra expense. Good luck!

I had to pass some hefty testing and experience to work there. I love working with the public and everyone has a unique story.

It turned out that if you are a touring artist, playing at multiple venues and those venues each send 1099s, you have to pay H&R Block for each 1099 they enter. Our schedule C alone came to $300. Not that an accountant has a duty to assess our situation first and to provide cost-saving options, it just seems like the moral thing to advise two low-income individuals, operating at a significant loss, what the real H&R fees are going to be and how they will be assessed before the process begins.

We weren't even asked about deducting utilities used for the home business. Ah, well, any return this year is going straight toward paying off this bill.

So, technically they lied to me! I noticed that the tax filing did not have a name of the person that actually did my taxes but someone else’s. I did not receive my tax return which was going to a savings account (interest) and now I have to run around a file my taxes again since the IRS gave me a deadline. The consequences are the time off work to fix this and the stress this is causing me, plus the almost $300 I paid for a service I did not receive.

For each of these filings, I was charged $280.00, that's $560.00! Mr. John ** sprung this on me without any warning, knowing for days that this would happen, he failed to inform me until I was in his office and was basically stuck without any choices of an alternate way to file. Otherwise, I would have consulted a relative who would have filed the children for me without charging this ridiculous fee! I have since contacted the office manager and emailed the district manager. I believe what Mr. John ** did was underhanded and unprofessional!

I was never lead to believe I would have to file returns for my children. This is unacceptable. I only expect to be refunded the fee for their filings only. I have contacted my credit card company to dispute this charge. I will never do business wuth H&R Block again. This is not the kind of treatment or expectations I had of this company.

To get to the point, I was charged for a practice test with no information to compare taxes to and second, the calculations were completely off to and from what I will be submitting to IRS. I was informed not to go to H&R Block because of the stories others have told me about taxes being done incorrectly and high fees being charged. I will not refer anyone to H&R Block to anyone. When a business offers a service and doesn't have any customers, ask yourself should you go in? I was swindled out of $29.00 by H&R Block 214 A US Hwy 290 E Elgin, Texas 78621.

The program refused to accept my zip code, and I could not proceed. I had to change my mailing address for the program to allow me to proceed. In addition, I had to call the IRS to calculate the taxable amount as box 2 (a) of my 1099-R was left blank. The program will not allow you to proceed unless you input an amount. I have a long history with H&R e-file, and I'm thoroughly disappointed with their level of competency and above all, integrity. Caveat emptor!

Dennis left the office to go ask another co-worker how to handle my return and came back to ask me if I was prepared to pay to have my taxes done today. I asked why he thought I would have to pay. He said because I had taken out my 401K early, and he assumed it was for living expenses only, not even that polite. There was a 10% penalty for taking it out early. I said there had already been taxes withheld by Merrill Lynch for $961.00.

Then he said the second amount was the rollover amount and wouldn't be taxed. Now I'm really confused. So I said, "You won't do my taxes, because you feel I don't have money to pay to have them done today?" "No, I didn't say I wouldn't do them," he said. "Then what are you saying? I'm totally confused! Dennis, shhhhh, I'm going to do a trial tax to see if I can find out if you will owe."

Dennis: Well, if you can do that, then that would be better and you won't have to pay us.

As I'm walking out, I'm thinking that I really should try to talk to someone else to see if this is all true and the way they really treat people. Dennis escorted me to the door. He acted like he knew I was looking for someone to talk to and did not want me to. I got in my car and called the Peoria office and let them know what had happened, and I'm now waiting to hear from them.

Boy, were they really going to charge me that much to do my taxes? Do I look like I have no money? I ended up crying and feel stupid for it now, but I work full time as a caregiver and go to school 20 hours. I'm a 55-year-old woman and attending school for my CDL. Truck driving license, lots to learn, and I don't want to be a flake like the people at H&R Block. I want to know what the hell I'm doing when I get behind the wheel of that rig!

Right off the bat she faced difficulty preparing my taxes. I became really nervous. Devona kept on leaving her desk to consult with her seniors. At one point, she left her desk and I approached someone who I think was more experienced than Devona. This person was older than Devona and seemed to be the manager of the office at Penn Ave. She assured me that Devona was capable of handling my taxes. I was furious because the mistakes that she made were rookie mistakes. She kept on jumping from one form to another and at times she was talking to herself as if she was trying to reassure herself. I could tell she was nervous, too.

When she finally finished preparing my tax, the manager checked her results. In the end, the manager agreed to waive the majority of my fees because she knew I was not happy. I still had to pay $130, but I was not about to contest that. I was too tired to do so. It's my own stupidity too, that I did not check this tax file. When I realized that I could get a higher refund, it's a little too late. The mistake was this: instead of claiming a tax credit, Devona took out a deduction. I ran my math and found out that if I were to claim a credit, I would have gotten approximately $500 more in my tax refund. I can certainly file a 1040X, but the point is this : If you have simple tax situations, it probably doesn't matter much to whom you go, but if you have complicated tax situations, it is wise to choose to whom you consult. Don't make my mistake! If you get a newbie tax preparer for your complicated situations, say "No" and save yourself from asking "What if..." down the road.

them of the facts. Nobody twisted their arms. How far will society go to protect people from themselves?

I also have this to say. The group of people these articles say were victimized may very well have been desperate for money, so much so that the difference between the 2-day RAL and the 4 to 6 weeks for the check was going to make real difference to them. The 2-week direct deposit was not an option for many of these customers, as they often did not have a bank account, as odd as that sounds.

Also, these are people who are used to cashing checks at check-cashing businesses which charge outrageous fees, so HRB's RAL rate was probably not unusual. As for the high rates, they probably could be lowered, but there is a probably small risk with RALs, such as the IRS have court-ordered withholding for child support or other reason. Again, such actions are probably taken against low-income people more often than not.

There is cause and effect here, but I believe that the low-income people are not being victimized by HRB, at least not any more than any other business. If the government wants to help raise people out of poverty, then create jobs for them, lower their tax liability, etc.

They finally found Mom's returns, told she owed around $1,000. Mom said she couldn't afford that all at one time. They she should call the IRS never offered us an extension form or even a phone # but charged my 79-year old Mother $138.00 for basically three simple forms. The two women in there made us feel like we were intruding on there personal time and there was no one in the office beside us. I will never enter another office of the H&R Block and will not ever refer anyone to them ever. Mom is not able to drive around to get forms, has trouble with hearing on the phone or does not have access to the internet.

After reviewing the documents, the representative told me that H & R Block, in error, did not forward the appropriate documents to them. Thus resulting in my 3 year garnishment, loss of wages, losing a vehicle, my home, etc. It was horrible! When I attempted to contact H & R Block, I have been given nothing but a run-a-round, phone numbers that no one seems to answer ever!

They guarantee a service that they completely fail to support! I incurred over $2,000 in penalties and interest due to their error, not including fees charged by my employer for handling this garnishment that never should have been, had they done what they are over paid to take care of, on behalf of the consumer! It has been 3 weeks now and no results. So I am writing in hopes that there are other people with similar issues with H & R Block's gross neglect. Emotional strain and economic loss!

The really disappointing fact was that I had multiple withdrawals from an IRA for housing and medical which involved penalties and I was told that the program will only allow me to enter one or the other penalty deduction. I had to show the preparer how to enter them both as the program was similar to the Tax Act program I usually use. For the money that they charge, $480.00 in my case, the client should at least get full attention from a preparer that is familiar with the tax program they are using.

After speaking with the manager and getting nothing but apologies, I mailed a letter to H&R Block headquarters stating my concerns since they do not provide an email address for complaints; needless to say, I have not received a reply.

Later when I received my return, I realized that they had charged me $328.85. They did not apply the coupon and had charged me for a refund anticipation check (which I did not receive) and for $30 audit guarantee (that I was initially charged in $300 amount and did not agree to. I wasn't able to dispute these charges because 2 weeks passed and they never sent me my tax forms or fee charges paperwork. I had to personally go to the office and demand my paperwork after I complained about the charges.

They were refusing to give my copy of the taxes I overpaid for. I have spoken to the manager Philip **and have not received any help or sufficient explanation about the charges. Under the law, I know I had three days to dispute a loan anticipation check but did not have the paperwork to know I had signed up for it and even if I did, I never received that check. I got the money put into my bank account no anticipation loan check.

He was not in a position to pay that and it came out of my budget and I'm retired. I certainly don't want to be contacted by an attorney. Getting the necessary information to our Attorney General is sufficient for me.

Wasted time and if I hadn't noticed this fraud, it would have cost me $19.95. The IRS should not direct people to such a deceptive practicing company. Now I have to find a new trustworthy place and have to restart my history.

2 weeks passed and we are looking for the remaining balance due to us, so we called again. We were asked to come back to the office because of the 1st preparer's errors, so we did. At that time, the IRS would not give them access to our account so the HR Block manager could fix the problem. We waited 5 weeks for our remaining balance which the IRS took $500 from a previous year caused by HR Block errors. We finally received a remaining balance from the IRS that shocked me.

We where missing over a thousand dollars from HR Block fees! We received that balance on Feb.19, 2010. It's now March 23, 2010 and we have not received a state tax yet! I called HR Block on March 19, 2010. She just gave me a call back today explaining that they did not send off on our state tax and we would have to come back down to the office to sign yet another form and mail that off for our state tax. I am so upset at this point, I am boiling over! I have 8 kids and I don't have time for this.

Then it comes back as rejected E-File status. I had no errors to correct. I went back through Federal and State again, everything was good. I have tried everything for over a month to figure out why it won’t go through. This was back on February 2. Now I have to wait till June to get my refund. It’s $19.95 if you want to ask any questions. That's ridiculous. I have used H&R Block for a few years now and have not had any trouble. I’m very disappointed. I will definitely use the IRS free service next year.