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Sharon of Chicago IL (04/08/08)
In Dec. 2007, H&R Block sent me a letter with an offer to get an H&R Block Emerald Advance Card, which allowed me to get $500.00 on a Debit Card right b4 Christmas, that sounded great, and this money can be retained and paid back by having it taken from my income tax return in Jan 2008. So as usual, I fell for it, come January I filed my taxes and the documents I signed stated that H&R Block will take this money from my refund and may this $500.00 off.
It is now April 2008, and I have been getting statemnets in the mail from H&R Block not only showing the $500 still owed but also 35.95% annula percentage rate interest, over limit fee of $50.65, late payment fee $7.95, so now my balance is $550.65 and growing. I called over 5 phone numbers for H&R Block and they are telling me that the money never was taken from my refund, and that it was directly deposited into my personal checking account as was my Tax refund and this was caused by a glitch in H&R Block Computor System and they apologize but YOU ARE STILL LIABLE TO HAVE TO PAY ALL THE FEES sorry for the inconvience.
I was told this happened to alot of H&R customers so looks like they will be making out like bandits, H&R Block should be sending letters to those who took out those advance loans apologizing of on there behalf and reassuring customers that they will not be responsible for all of those fees, interest and late charges. It is unfair to the consumers. Help.
H&R Block is making alot of money from consumers becaue of a computor clitch. I have 2 case numbers open with 2 different H&R departments, I got no where when I called the office that did my preparation, the manager said honey just pay it all off, so your credit does not become effected with negatives WOW! to think I patronized this H&R office for over 10 years.
Melinda of Orrville OH (03/04/08)
I was approved for a ral from h & r block and hsbc bank. After being told I was approved, hsbc then tells me I am not approved because I owe the irs. I have called repeatedly to hsbc, irs, dept of treasury, and h&r block with no resolutions. There is no money offset, my loan was denied due to incorrect information and the bank or hsbc bank will not correct their mistake! I have spent over 48hours on this.
I am a single parent and my electricity is going to be turned off 2/6/08 and my rent is late leading to possible eviction.
Lisa of East Dundee IL (02/21/08)
I applied and was approved for a 1-2 day RAL to be deposited on an Emerald Card. Two days later after many calls to check card for loan I called the office and was given an 800 number to call. All it stated was that I was denied--this has never happened in all my years of dealing with H & R Block. The recorded message said I would receive my refund in 8-15 days. I called the office back and asked for a refund on the RAL loan and said it wouldn't be refunded but they wouldn't charge me interest! What interest? I'm paying a loan fee and interest for something I never received! What is going on here?
Lisa of Highland IL (02/18/08)
After almost 20 years of doing business with this office, this year has been a nightmare. My loan for some reason was denied after several years of no problems. The H&R Block company had no idea but provided me with an 800 number. I called this number and a lady read word for word a bunch of jumble basically stating she could not tell me anything! Stating that I would be sent a letter. I paid to have this RAL and now I am not sure what I am paying for besides a scam. I was told it could take 8-15 days whereas there is nothing rapid about that! I am a single parent who needed that money for college expenses and other bills. I went to the IRS.gov site and was unable to find anything either..have no idea what is going on.
Merilyn of Kalispell MT (02/18/08)
I have been going through H&R block for about 8 years now. I have never had any problems and have always used the anticipation loan. I also did the 500 dollar loan with the emerald card before Christmas this year as well has last year. There didn't seemed to be a problem until yesterday, when I checked my balance and noticed I was missing $517 dollars and some change. I called the 800 number to find out why and the lady told me I would get it back in 48 hours. Evidently, the bank with the emerald card hadn't received their money from the IRS yet so they decided to borrow some money. I did get it back but it sure has made me nervous. because they have shown me they have access to my card anytime and can take out money when they feel like it. Is this LEGAL? I was planning on having my paycheck direct deposit into this account. I don't think I will. As soon as I got my money back I went to an atm machine and emptied it out. I just don't understand how they could get money off your card when they want - to me that is stealing. Of course when I borrowed money from them, I had to pay a fee, what about them Paying me a fee when they borrowed from me with out my permission?
Ron of Woodinvoille WA (02/16/08)
We went to file our taxes before Jan 13th of this year (the day the IRS was to be receiving returns). The tax professional filled out the forms, and we asked for the RAL and also $300 H&R Block Savings Account. When we went home I was comparing this year's return to last year's return when I noticed a mistake with our deductions. I immediately called the H&R Block office and spoke to the professional that served us and explained the error. She said it wouldn't be a problem because our return hadn't left their server yet because the IRS wasn't accepting returns until the 13th. She said she would call to let us know if she could pull it off the server so we could bring in the corrected information. She said she didn't know if it could be pulled. We called over the next week or so and left many messages for her to call us back. Finally after about 14 messages she called back to tell us that the return could not be retrieved and that we'd need to file an amended return.
Then on the day our RAL was to be there, she called to tell us we didn't qualify for the RAL. (We've used this service for the past 3 years, and it was never a problem.) She said we'd have to wait for standard IRS processing. We received an e-mail on the 30th of January from H&R block that our refund was in and posted to the emerald card that was given to us for the RAL and the $300 savings account. Unfortunately, we had left our tax papers in the H&R block envelope which was left in our vehicle. My wife had thought that I had put it somewhere, and I had that she had put it somewhere so we didn't notice that someone had taken it from our vehicle.
All of our tax money was taken out of the account on the 25th of January--5 days before we received an e-mail from H&R Block and probably before the envelope was taken. So then we think at least we have the $300 in savings. So my wife attempts to call the H&R Block bank which is on the East Coast somewhere, and it takes her about a week of calling and hours on hold to find out that the $300 hasn't posted to our account. They can't tell us why or where our money is. On top of that H&R Block still took the fees out of our refund for the RAL which we didn't qualify for. Who's the bigger crook? The person who stole the envelope from our car or H&R Block? My guess is H&R Block because they are more than likely doing this to hundreds of thousands of customers!
Tamara of Norman OK (02/13/08)
I went to get my taxes done on 1/15/08 at H&R Block. The lady that does my taxes there is wonderful and has been doing my whole family's taxes for a couple of years. We get halfway through my taxes, and I'm told that we cannot proceed because of AMT and the form that is needed has not been released by the IRS and I'll have to wait until Feb. 11th to file my taxes. I was told that it was something to do with the tax bracket that I fell into and the credit I was getting for claiming my tuition. So on 2/11/08 I go back to get my taxes done, and like every year I get the instant loan that they offer. And was DENIED. No explanation was given, but I was told that I was approved for the 1-2 day loan. Which was fine with me. So I decided to get one of those Emerald Cards, because I was expecting $4000 back and my bank always holds the check for 7-10 business days. Well I check the status, today since its been more than 1-2 days, and I learned that I was denied do to pre-screening. Now I have to wait 8-15 days. But was assured that I would be refunded the fees from HSBC. We'll see.
Caren of Paradise CA (02/13/08)
I filed my taxes yesterday. I have been going to H&R Block for over 10 years. I opted to have my refund deposited to my emerald MasterCard offered by H&R block. I am a single mother of 3 and so I needed the anticipated $ fast. I chose the 1-2 days RAL. I have never been denied for and RAL. Ever! I called this morning to see if the funds had been added to the card to find that I had been denied for not apparent reason. I called my local H&R block tax preparer and he had no answers for me. I asked about the extra $ I had paid to have him do the RAL and he said I would still have to pay the fees minus the bank finance charges approx. $50.00. I am shocked! I spent the extra cash I had to pay my bills and now have zero $to make it till my next payday let alone till the refund gets to me. The automated systm tells me the IRS will release the $ to the bank in 8-15 days. I will never use H&R Block again. I was never told that I may be denied. I was scammed and so were a lot of other people. There must be something we can do.
I have no $ for gas or food to make it till my next payday or till refund gets to me I can't even take my children to school 20 mins. away. I am so screwed!
Caren of Chico CA (02/13/08)
I filed my taxes yesterday. I have been going to H&R Block for over 10 years. I opted to have my refund deposited to my emerald MasterCard offered by H&R block. I am a single mother of 3 and so I needed the anticipated money fast. I chose the 1-2 days RAL. I have never been denied for and RAL. Ever! I called this morning to see if the funds had been added to the card to find that I had been denied for no apparent reason. I called my local H&R block tax preparer and he had no answers for me. I asked about the extra money I had paid to have him do the RAL and he said I would still have to pay the fees minus the bank finance charges approx. $50.00. I am shocked! I spent the extra cash I had to pay my bills and now have zero money to make it till my next payday let alone till the refund gets to me. The automated system tells me the IRS will release the money to the bank in 8-15 days. I will never use H&R Block again. I was never told that I may be denied. I was scammed. There must be something we can do.
I have no money for gas or food to make it till my next payday or till refund gets to me. I can't even take my children to school 20 mins. away.
Jason of Plainfield CT (02/12/08)
My income taxes were completed and i paid for the emrald mastercard. I was told by the tax rep that the funds would be on my card no later than 2-12-08. I then called because the funds were not on the card and i was told that they made an error on entering my information. They completed a R.A.C. instead of a R.A.L. The manager there refused to assits me with this matter. I was given a phone number with no reuslt.
This has caused great financial strains on me. This will also bring more debt to me.l
Matthew of Ocala, FL (02/11/08)
My wife and I filed our tax return several weeks ago. We were supposed to have our money on the 8th of February. We purchased a car with the contingency that we would put $2,000 of our return on that vehicle. The funds were to be direct deposited into our account, but our bank refused the payment because we used my wife's checking account, and H&R Block put the deposit in my name ONLY. We filed married and jointly.
I spent all weekend waiting in hold for a total of 5 hours across Friday, Saturday and Sunday trying to get in touch with someone to help me remedy this situation.
Kim of Hookerton, NC (02/11/08)
My husband and I are tight, money wise and needed our tax refund right away. We have always prepared our own taxes, but I figured if H & R Block could give us the RAL that the need outweighed the cost. We had our taxes prepared and we were approved for a 2-day RAL. That was January 15 - it is now February 11 and we have not seen a dime.
The manager will not return my calls and the receptionist just hung up on me for asking to speak to someone else. This has to be the most rude bunch of people I have ever not had the privilege of doing business with.
Our house is in foreclosure.
Amy of Willowbrook IL (02/11/08)
I used H&R Block years ago. Never had a bad experience, I would go there, and they would electronically file my taxes; and I would usually get my refund back in 2 weeks. I started doing my own taxes for the last 10 years or so; I would fill them out and then have my funds electronically deposited into my checking account. That process always took about 2 weeks, sometimes sooner depending on when I filed them. This year, my husband and I thought we would go to H&R Block so we could get our money back sooner.
I will never go back again; the tax preparer we had (someone with over 20 years experience) barely gave us any information. She rushed us through the whole process. Thank God I have tax experience because I was asking the questions, and she seemed irritated with me. But I am the paying customer, why should I not ask the questions, and shouldn't she be informing me? Anyway, we paid all of the fees for the RAL loan to get our money back in 1 to 2 days; she never told us that you had to get approved for it. I asked her at the end, and she said you do, and if you get denied it will automatically take 8 to 14 days. If I knew this right off the bat, I would have done our taxes ourselves. From reading everyone's complaint, I think this RAL is a lie. Do you know anyone who has been approved for it this year? My husband and I have good credit and we don't know why we would have been denied. If anyone would like to put together a class action suit against H&R Block, please include me. It is going on 10 days now and no check yet. Wen we call to see if it came in, they are rude to us on the phone and say just call the 800 number, and it will provide you the information you are looking for. I will never use them again.
We weren't totally depending on the money; but paying almost $300.00 for that service, I could have done the taxes myself and got the refund back in no more than 14 days--and would have had $300.00 more to our check. I am completed dissatisfied with our preparer. She was rude and rushed us through, and the fees are outrageous. We just went to them to get it back quicker, but they need to inform their clients a lot better than they are doing. They need to inform the clients up front about the RAL, and then give the person the choice to either go through with the process or not. Because obviously this year, no one is getting approved for that RAL, and it is obviously a SCAM.
Carol of Phoenix AZ (02/10/08)
We filed for the RAL at HR Block at 10 am on a Saturday. We paid the $50 fee + 29.95 fee + 20.00 fee because we chose to get a check instead of the prepaid mastercard. By 5 pm that day, the office had already called us and we picked up our check that day. I was concerned by all of the negative experiences I read re: the RAL - but was pleasantly surprised when we received our check the very same day. I'm not sure why others had such a problem.
Lars of Brattleboro VT (02/09/08)
H&R Block prepared my taxes yesterday and talked me into the RAL. After I reviewed the paperwork at home, I decided to cancel the RAL, which was less than 24 hrs. later. I spoke with H&R Block (Dan Hodgekins), and they refuse to allow me to cancel the RAL--even though the loan agreement that I signed said that I have 48 hrs to cancel.
This is a total scam, and they are taking advantage of lower income tax payers. Dan's statement was to go ahead and sue, H&R Block has all kinds of attorneys--knowing that I probably couldn't afford to go against them. Any help would be appreciated.
H&R Block charges outrageous interest rates and fees for RAL and does not give full disclosure on options.
Julie of Concord NH (02/07/08)
Do not put money into the Emerald Card Saving Account. The IRS is not paying out to them at this time (and who knows when they will?). I went into H&R Block to file my taxes like I have for the past 5 years. I have always had a great experience with the company and the employees who have assisted me. My most recent experience with the company started off no different, up to the point where I found out that the money I took out of my refund, to put aside to go into the Emerald Card Savings Account, was no where to be found. I had a receipt from the H&R Block office stating that the money had been taken out of my full refund to be put into the saving account; however, when I called on the card to make sure everything went through from the RAL, I was advised that there was a zero balance in the saving account. I was irate and concerned at this point; where could my money be? I called the number on the back of the card, and after waiting 15 minutes to talk to a human representative about the issue, I was advised that the IRS was not paying out to the savings account at this time because it was on hold. The rep also advised me that if I didn't see it in there by Feb. 29 to call back. (Ya, and wait on the phone for another 15-20 minutes to talk to someone?)
At this point it has not caused me any financial upset, however it is just one more reason to prove my beliefs that the IRS does what ever they want when it comes to our money at tax time, and we have no control over it. They are the ones who set all the tax deduction amounts and they take as much time as they want to get our money back to us, that is if they even want to give us our money back at all. That is my money; I was one of the lucky ones that got approved for it, and I want it where it is suppose to be.
Gretchen of Wheeling WV (02/07/08)
I have been using H&R Block off and on for ten years. I am capable of doing my own taxes but use Block so I can get my refund back faster. On this occasion I was told by the preparer that I may be able to get the IRAL which would give put my refund on the emerald card in 1 to 2 hours. The computer then stated that I was not eligible for the IRAL but was eligible for the classic RAL which would put my refund on my card in 1 to 2 days. So, I agreed to pay the fees to have it in 1 to 2 days. The preparer told me to call first thing in the morning, and my money would be on there; if not it would be on there by the end of the day. First thing this morning I called the 888 number and the recording told me that HSBC had denied my loan, and I would have to wait for the IRS to deposit my refund in 8 to 15 days.
The preparer led me to believe that I had already been approved. I was depending on that money to pay rent and shut-off notices that I had accumulated after the holiday. No one can tell me why I was not approved for the loan; every other year the same bank has approved my RALs. If the preparer would have told me that there was a chance that I would not receive my refund in the 1 to 2 days I would have saved my self $240 and done them myself. In my opinion the company and their employees are misleading their customers just to get as much money as they can from the customers. They seem to me to be just like common criminals.
The RAL fees were refunded to me since I was denied, but I'm still out the $240 in preparation fees that I would have saved had I done them myself. Plus, I am in danger of having several utilities shut off because of the hold up.
Michelle of Butler NJ (02/07/08)
I went to H&R Block in Pompton Lakes, NJ, to do my return. I thought it would be simple and fast, but I was wrong. I was there for over 2 hours dealing with a guy who was clueless. I was not explained anything. The only thing I was told is that I would have the check that night. As it turns out, no check. Then I was told to pick it up the next day. I took off work to go get my check and again no check. DENIED! What a mess. Now I am out $300, a day's pay and unnecessary aggravation. Supposedly I will get my check in 9-15 days. Doubt it. They should go out of business! NEVER USE H&R BLOCK!
Chris&kimberly of Seminole OK (02/07/08)
We went in to file our taxes with H&R Block, yesterday 02/16/08. We have used them for 11 years. This year it was a different location as we moved, but same company. Every year we get the RAL. Last year we got it in two checks, one the first day and the rest within 3 days. This year we opted for the same day loan, and it was rejected. The preparer offered us the classic RAL which meant 1-2 days. We opted for that and paid an extra $297 in fees for preparation and RAL--$107 of that to the bank for the RAL. I checked the website first thing this morning to see the status, and it said that the bank (HSBC) denied the RAL, and we would get a RAC in 8-15 days. This means the IRS will deposit our refund with HSBC, and HSBC will send us a check through H&R Block. I called the IRS because I could not figure out why the RAL had been declined when we get it every single year. I thought maybe we owed IRS and didn't know it.
IRS confirmed that we DID NOT OWE and that it seemed that HSBC just did not want to approve it. That makes no sense to me. So I called H&R Block back to find out about the $107 in fees that the bank charged and was told that the fees would be returned to us with the refund check. We have decided that we will no longer use H&R Block again as their advertising seems to be more and more false each and every year. I am also finding that HSBC has a lot to do with who they approve and who they don't. BUT...they still earn a check fee, and H&R Block still receives a commission for getting the RAL or RAC.
We were planning on paying off some bills, paying our rent and utilities (which water and electric have a cut off notice for the 8th) getting the truck tagged, insured and new tires put on it and taking a 1st time ever trip (in 11 years) the weekend of Valentine's day. I just don't see it happening because we are supposed to wait 8-15 days for our refund.
Eric of Warroad MN (02/07/08)
I filed and was promised 1-3 days using ral. I paid close to $200, but 7 days later no money. I get the same answers and same phone#, but no response. I quit using H&R Block for about 5 years, then you hear and see all the tv ads and you think wow, maybe they have gotten better. I lost then and lost now. I, myself, will be outside my local h&r block store, telling people they are a joke, maybe others will follow!!
Let's say I'm really late on a lot of bills and the wife and I promised our kids things and well you know the story.
Sarah of Kissimmee FL (02/03/08)
I recently had a baby and wanted to ensure that I would get the most out of my refund. I went into the office, and the gentleman was not very detailed trying to assist me. (He couldn't even spell the word catering; I typed it for him on his computer.) Well, after we finally reached the end, he told me about the 1-2 day RAL. He told me that it was the best way to do it, and my check would be available on Monday. I filed on Saturday. I signed the papers he told me to sign and paid A LOT EXTRA to receive my check on Monday. Sunday came, and I contacted H&R Block to check the status of my refund, and was given another number and website that the previous gentleman never gave me. I was told that I was turned down for the loan and had to wait 8-15 days for the check.
I wish I would have been told that I could have been turned down for the loan. I could have saved almost $300 on just having some guy fill in the blanks for me. I went into the office to file my complaint about his lack of communication and was told that I could expect the check on 2/22: twenty days after I filed--not even close to 8-15 days, which is unbelievable! I am very upset that I spent time, MONEY, and could have filed at home to receive the money sooner and right into my bank account. And to top it all off, trying to find a corporate number on the H&R Block website to file my complaint, is impossible! Let's finish this with: Don't file at H&R Block!
Steve of Winchester TN (02/03/08)
I went in to H&R Block to have my taxes filed. I am a single father with 2 kids, and I stay strapped. I qualified for eic credit and should receive close to $6000. I needed the money as soon as possible, so the tax preparer told me I could put the money on an Emerald Master card, and the money would be there in a few hours. She put in my information, and I was denied the instant Ral. She told me, however, I was approved for the 24-48 hr. Ral. Needing the money, I called and called after 72 hours--no money on the card. I finally got a representative at H&R block that told me the IRS intercepted my refund for some reason--possibly a mistake from a previous year, and it would be 8-15 days before I would see any money on the emerald card.
Why did I have to go through all of these lies if there was a possibility of the money not being there in the 24-48 hour promised time? I don't like being lied to. H&R Block needs to quit promising people money that they can't deliver. I WILL NOT BE BACK THERE!
Rent and electric wasn't paid on time, so late fees have been added.
Shannon of Rogersville PA (02/02/08)
On 1-30-08 I went to H&R to have taxes prepared. I chose the 1-2 day RAL. Was told check would probably be in 2-1-08. Called 2-1-08 - no check. Called 2-2 and was told maybe check would be in later that day. I then called the 1-888-832-5625 number mentioned on the bottom of the application and got a recording stating I was denied for the RAL because I did not meet their criteria. No reason was given, and of course there was no individual to talk to. The only reason I could think of is that I do not use credit and therefore have NO CREDIT HISTORY - certainly not bad credit. So, I called H&R back and told them what I found out and was told it wasn't their fault the bank turned me down--that I would get my money in 8-15 days.
I said I PAID TO GET MY MONEY IN 1-2 DAYS. I was then told there was nothing she could. I asked where the money was coming from and she said the bank. I said you mean the same bank that turned me down for 1-2 days is now accepting me for 8-14 days - how is that possible? She said she didn't know and had no answers. I asked if she could not get me answers, and she said simply NO.
I am a poor single woman with a child that was depending on that quick turn around of my money for bills, groceries, necessities of life. I spent money to have taxes prepared by H&R and EXTRA money to have the return expedited in 1-2 days FOR NOTHING, and no one wants to help me. What recourse do I have? Naturally, I will never go to H&R again, but what does that do for me while I wait 8-15 days? Tell that to your creditors. They don't care - all they want is their money; and right now that's all I care about - GETTING MY MONEY.
Keisha of Nashua NH (02/02/08)
I've been going to HR Block for that past 5 yrs, just for the RAL. This experience was the worst by far. I had my taxes done on 1/31/08. This year was the first year I had not received the same day RAL. I should have known something was wrong then. I was told that I would get my check in 1-2 days still, but everyone else was getting them by early morning next day. I waited and waited. I decided to call and was told the IRS had rejected my return because my employer EIN was incorrect. Then I was asked if the employer gave me the wrong EIN. (I work for a trillion dollar company with a staff of 50,000; I think they have figured out what EIN they should be using by now.) Needless to say I was told I should have my check by the end of the day. When I brought it to their attention that I would have my check if the error had not been made and how disappointed I was, their response was that they still had 16 hours to get me the check.
My check and my issues with the service that I had been provided were two separate issues. To make matters worse I called their 866# and was told by their representative that the IRS again rejected my return because of a wrong EIN. Once I provided then with the correct number, the IRS accepted my return within 7 hours. When I called to talk to a manager the next morning, I was told that first she was with a TaxPro (really funny the use of the word TaxPRO). Two hours went by with no call; I called again and was told she was with a client. One of the comments that stick out to me about this experience is that I was told that people make mistakes and the TaxPros are people and they make mistakes too. I am sorry, but when we are paying out hard earned money to these people there is no room for errors; the IRS doesn't work like that.
I've paid for services that were not provided.
Brian of Grand Rapids MI (02/01/08)
I went to Block to get my taxes done and opted for the instant ral on the card, but it came back being denied. A pop-up on the computer screen asked, "Want to try the classic ral?" So I then opted for that choice and waited the 1-2 days and found out that I was denied. So now I must wait up to 15 days for the refund. I don't know why I was denied. I did not claim all sorts of EIC's or anything, nor is my credit all that bad. I have always qualified in the past.
I would like to offer a word of caution to anyone who is denied the instant ral: just go with the standard e-file and leave it at that because if you were turned down for the instant ral, you will also be turned down for the 1-2 day ral. I believe HRBlock is fully aware of this and should tell clients, but they don't. I have no idea if or when I'll receive any of the fee's charged to me in association with the ral.
Diane of Williamsport PA (01/30/08)
I went to H&R block and had my taxes done yesterday morning. I had a really good experience at first, and the girl doing them seemed to be intelligent and knowledgeable about her field. After I found out I was getting a large refund, she started to go over my options for paying for the tax preparation and getting my money. She mentioned a 1-2 day RAL, told me that the money would be deposited on an Emerald Mastercard and that I could use the same as a credit or debit card except that it was prepaid with my refund on it. It was $89.95 extra for this option. Since we were getting a large refund and were strapped for cash as usual, we decided to pay the extra money to have the refund sooner rather than later. The girl assured me it would post probably by 8:00 that night, but by this morning at the latest. Well, we took the day off work, school, etc, and splurged by taking the whole family to Chuck E. Cheese for the day (which is 2 hours from my home). The guy at the tax office told me to check around noon to see if my money was in yet, but to call them this evening if it still wasn't there.
So I called back tonight, and when I finally got a representative on the phone they informed me my RAL was denied and that I had to wait 8-14 business days for my refund! No one had explained to me there was any possibility of this being denied. If I had known it could be denied I would not have paid $90 extra for it! And to top things off I spent money I didn't have out of my bank account to do something nice with my children expecting the refund money to be there to cover the excess, only to find out it won't be. Now I will have to borrow money from family so my bank account does not go negative before my husband's next payday. We were counting on that money. When I found out (on my cell), I cried all the way home from Chuck E. Cheese. Our finances are so bad, I really was counting on that money, and I felt lied to and taken advantage of. No thanks, H&R Block. You should EXPLAIN the fine print to people before having them sign on the dotted line. It isn't any way to conduct business.
James of Sugarloaf CA (01/30/08)
Instead of doing my taxes for free, last year I used HR Block and received an anticipation loan. This year I went back, and to my surprise I was denied. I'm a single dad on low income who needs this money. So now, I'm getting my refund check later than if I had done my taxes myself, on-line--because it now has to go through HR Block's greedy hands first before I can get what is left. It also cost me over $300 for the disappointment--and I'm still being charged for the bank fees.
I think there should be an investigation. They've stepped up their advertising yet made it harder to qualify. They give you a number to call to make sure the loan goes through, and it still didn't. It is a scam. I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. By doing my own tax filing, I could have gotten more back than what they got for me. I'm so upset! I got to watch my girls cry when they found out.
Jenny of Middletown IN (01/30/08)
Every year, I qualify for rapid refund or a 1-2 day loan. This year, to my surprise, I was rejected, even after being a faithful customer for more than 5 years. I agree. They are now using the RAL to reel in poor people--then let them walk away empty-handed.
Aleena of Vallejo CA (01/26/08)
instead of having my sister or father do my taxes online FOR FREE, i instead went to h & r block, thinking that i would spend the $500 (around) that i spent last year to get my money NOW (i take care of my neice & nephew & dont make a lot of money) on the commercials they make it sound easy & simple, & every year i qualify. this year i was told i did not meet the qualifications & could not do the money now check, but that I DID qualify for the one to two day check & she ashured me i would have the check by the following day. when they did not call i decided to call & was then informed that i actually did not qualify & that i would have to wait up to 15 days for my check! this is awful, & to top it off i paid around $400 for NOTHING at all! im so upset, this isnt right & they shouldnt be allowed to do this to people!
I was counting on this money, i spent money that i did have thinking i would have my money the next day, & instead ended up having to borrow & stress out about money! that money was for my rent, food etc. it has really messed things up for me this month!
Tami of Marinette WI (01/25/08)
This year I decided to go to H & R Block to have my taxes done seeing as you are able to get your money back either the same day you file or within 1-2 days. My preparer checked to see if I could receive the RAL (for the same day) and it came back declined. He told me that it was worth a try and sometimes goes through for people and sometimes doesn't. He then told me that I did qualify for the 1-2 day loan. He NEVER told me that this depended on your credit history and such. I have very poor credit and never would have had him TRY to put it through if I had known that. Anyway, he offered me the Emerald card, but I said that I preferred a check. He gave me a card with a toll free number on it and said to call it after 10 am the following day to check the status on my refund. He said hopefully it would be there, if not it would most definitely be there the following day. Well, I called and called and called. I would get a message telling me that the my information had been submitted to the IRS and that H & R Block was waiting for a response. Then the next time it would tell me that unfortunately my RAL was denied and they would issue me a check within 8-15 days. I called that afternoon and asked to speak with the accountant who prepared my taxes. The receptionist took a message for him to call me back, but he never did. Finally that evening I called him again and he told me that it can be denied for numerous reasons such as back child support, certain judgements and/or bad credit. The first 2 I knew about, but the bad credit of course I had no idea about that because again, no one had warned me that it could be denied for that reason. So now the money that I had counted on to be here within 1-2 days is not going to be here for 1-2 weeks or so. I called my preparer back and he told me that they do adjust the fee that you paid for the 1-2 days down to the standard 8-15 days fee. I guess I will have to wait and see.
Well, my husband received his paycheck on this same day and we paid on bills that we would have normally waited on because we THOUGHT we would have more money right away. So now today is the 25th and of course rent is due on February 1st and we won't have it. We would have banked this check to go for rent, but now we actually have pretty much nothing in our pockets until a week from today when his next paycheck comes and that will only cover about 1/3 of our rent. I just really wish that they would have at least told me that there was a possibility that I wouldn't be able to get my money in the 1-2 days. I just feel really bad for the other low income families who are going to go through the same thing this year.
Michael of Swannanoa NC (01/25/08)
I went to the local H&R Block office with hopes of recieving my taxes earlier. I sat with one of their Tax Specialists for over an hour doing my taxes, at the end of which I was told I might qualify for an instant refund, which I really needed the money to pay my bills. After being denied for the instant refund I was told that it automatically goes to a 1-2 day RAL with no problems, so they pushed their debit card on me and I left thinking that in 1-2 days I could pay my bills and everything would be ok. I checked their site just like I was told 1 day later, then 2, and was informed that I was rejected for the RAL. So basically I spent 265 dollars on H&R block fee's and 73.42 on bank fees for a card I really cannot use for 8-15 days still. In my opinion this was a big rip off, I was mis-informed by H&R block about getting a refund faster, and I will NEVER go to any H&R block office again.
Ryan of Wapakoneta OH (01/24/08)
I am extremely unsatisfied with my experience involving H&R Block. I normally use a small tax company to take care of my needs every year. Due to financial issues, I needed funds quickly. I was told by many people not to go to H&R Block due to the rates of charge for services. Well, this year I bit the bullet and went because I was under the impression by the representative for H&R Block, who prepared my return, said I would receive funds within twenty-four hours. That's fine, because that's what I was told that day (Jan 22 08 ). Today I call the office to inquire about a city tax voucher and other paper work that the rep. couldn't give me that same day I had my taxes done, which seemed slightly ironic but yet I agreed to COME BACK to get my paperwork due to the convenience and time it took to do my taxes, and not to mention I was TOLD I would be receiving my funds on my emerald card within 24 hours. I had an associate of mine come along, and he heard this as well.
I called the office today and now I'm told I was denied by some outside bank, and that I would not receive funds on my card for another fifteen days. This isn't going to work with me. If I were TOLD in person that I would not receive the funds for fifteen days, then I would have gone to my regular tax preparer and I would have not only paid 50 % less than what H&R Block is charging me, I would have had an honest experience as well. This is why I do not go to H&R Block. I do plan to pursue this to the farthest extent until I am satisfied. If the rep. would have just told me the truth, I would not be writing this, I would have just accepted the facts and lived with it. I feel as if I have been violated, and lied to.
The result to this experience delayed bills that were late in which I was told I would receive funds in 24-48 hrs.
Jennell of Manteca CA (01/24/08)
On January 9th, 2008, I went to H&R Block to have my taxes e-filed to the IRS. I was given a master card called the Emerald Advance Card, and was assured I would have my refund directly deposited onto my card within 24-48 hours. Three days later, which was Monday, I called Donna Nelson, The preparer who filed my taxes, and she told me I was denied for the RAL but that I would have my refund within 8-15 days.
It has now been over three weeks since I filed and I still have not received my refund. I asked if I was able to get the bank fees back since I could have tele-filed my return and got it back sooner, and they simply said no. My federal refund was to be approximately $7,000.00, and my state refund was to be $186.00.
On the 22nd of January, a deposit of $75.00 was posted to my card and when I called H&R Block to see what this amount was they did not have an answer and gave me the number to call the IRS. I called the IRS right then, and the gentlemen I spoke to said they had my information right there and that the amounts I had given him were correct and that my check from the IRS was set to be deposited into H&R Block's bank account. I still have not heard anything from H&R as to the status of my refund, and they have no information as to when I will get my money.
I needed the money to pay my rent and to take care of my 1 year old who was suffering from pneumonia. Since they assured me that day that I would have my refund within two days, I spent my rent money on doctors visits, medication, soup, pedialite and diapers, things that my children needed. So when I found out I wasn't getting my refund for another two weeks, I was on he verge of being evicted, and with no job and a sick child. And to make matters worse i am now stuck paying for an expedited service that I never received. And still no word on where my tax return is.
Michelle of Redford, MI (01/23/08)
I went in on 1-4-08 to get my taxes done and was told that I would get a same day loan advance of $500. We went through the whole process, then the computer locked up and I was told that I would need to come back the following day. The next day I went back to see the same lady but she wasn't in. I was given to someone new who made all kinds of changes to my file.
I found out that they couldn't even send my taxes till the 11th of Jan, so I went back on the 11th to finish the process. I was told that I qualified for the 1-2 day loan. I was given an emerald card and was told to check the following day. I did - nothing. Five days later I finally contacted the IRS. They told me they received and began to process my information, however it was up to H&R Block to give me my money. HRB told me it was up to the IRS.
HRB mislead me, lied to me from the beginning and I was charged about $400 for all of this.
Erin of Queensbury NY (01/22/08)
I went to H&R Block on January 15, 2008. I had seen all the commercials on T.V. for the RAL. I am a single mother and live paycheck to paycheck, so the quicker I could get my money the better. Considering I am getting back a good amount, I said what the heck, I will pay the extra amount (which came to almost $400). Not once did the tax preparer tell me that it was a loan. If I had known that, then I would have NEVER done it because I have not-so-good credit. So, as I waited 1..2..3..days, I finally called the office and was told by the receptionist that everyone was busy and that she would have someone call me as soon as possible. It has been 6 days and no one has returned my call. Nice customer service. So I had to go online and check the statis of my refund. I WILL NEVER USE H&R BLOCK AGAIN!!
So as a result, I'm out $400 and still waiting for my refund which could take up to 15 days. What a scam!
Ricky of Ft Knox, KY (01/21/08)
I don't know if H&R Block gets a commission for how ever many of their debit cards they are able to push onto people, but I too was told I would receive my money in 24-48 hours. Well, after not getting it, I called them and they said the bank denied my loan. Which doesn't make sense because I was reading about the card and it is impossible to go over the limit that is set on it.
I was told the IRS received my tax forms and approved them. I called the IRS and they have no information on me at all for this year. If I was approved, as H&R Block says I was, then the money should be placed on the card and that should be it. What does it matter what my credit situation is if I can't spend more then what is on the card?
Derek of Lilbourn MO (01/21/08)
I went into H and R Block to file my taxes and opted for the ral loan. I was denied for the money now loan but was told I could get the traditional ral and was sent away with their mastercard and told my refund would be on there within 24 to 48hrs. I called the bank and was told I was denied because I did not meet screening criteria but H and R Block assured me I was approved and had no problem collecting the 231 dollars to file for the ral, which I will not get and I am still waiting 8 to 15 day for refund.
I am now unable to pay bills and get my 3 month old daughter her medication which could save her hearing.
Travis of Concord NC (01/20/08)
I went into H&R Block to get my taxes prepared was offered the RAL and then they denied me for same day money. So they had told me that it came back and said I was approved in 1-2 days to get my money. I paid right at 400 dollars for this service because I really needed this money as the past year had been a very difficult year and I am supporting my sister right now because she had medical probloms with her daughter. Now they are telling me when I called that prepaid card they gave me to have my taxes put on, that my money will not come until 8-15 days and our rent is depending on this money. That is why I paid so much to get it back, so I am pretty sure I will have an eviction notice on my door before I see that money.
And just to think I trusted these people, I would never had paid 400 dollars to get my money in 8-15 days, that is for sure. That is the standard time for the IRS. I just feel like I was targeted for a scam because when I told them the situation I was in, they took it to the bank with me. So now we have a sick little girl and are going homeless because of H&R Block. I will never use them again and advise everyone else if you are a lower income family, do not use H&R Block please. They took advantage as they knew I needed the money really bad to keep a roof over my family's head and to pay some medical expences.
I am going to be evicted from my home now and my sister lives with me because she lost everything due to having a sick child, so the 400 dollars that I paid those snakes could of paid for her breathing machine that she needs. I don't know what I am going to do as of right now.
Dustin of Libearl MO (01/14/08)
I went in and was told I was approved for a ral loan and would get my money in 24-48 hours. Well, I go to look and it was denied; so I called and was told the denial was due to a credit criteria. I was approved from them last year, so now I must wait 8-14 days for my loan and probably still be stuck with bank fees. I will never use HR Block again in my life.
Brian of Cuyahoga Falls OH (12/04/07)
I went to H&R block on 3/16/07, and they told me I could get the RAL and that I was approved.They told me to inquire the next day, and that I would have my money. They gave me the emerarld card and my paperwork, and I was off and happy ! I even asked the gentleman at the office, what if I don't get approved for the RAL? He said, "If you don't that's your problem, not mine" and he laughed.
Well, to my surprise they did not accept my loan; it was denied, and that I would receive my bank fee money back in 8-15 days. But H&R Block said it was up to the bank to decide whether I get approved, and even though I didn't get the RAL, I would still have to pay the bank fee. And before I left H&R Block office on 3/16, they knew I was not approved, but told me I was anyway--just so they could get their filing fee. I call this a scam. I wish that I and everybody else could get our money back for these fees.
Christopher of Seattle WA (04/25/07)
I decided to use H&R block again this year to file my taxes at the beginning of this year. I brought my info in to the local office and opted for the Refund Anticpation Loan. As we are going through the process of filling, I was asked if I owed and taxes. I told the rep not to my knowledge. I filed last year and had no problem. she told me that they were checking with the IRS electronically to see if I owed any money. The result came back letting us know that no money was owed and I could get the RAL. I received my check and went home. About 5 days later I get a call from H&R Block telling me that I do owe for taxes and that I need to pay back my loan. I asked the guy about the check they did to see if I owed anything and he said something to the effect of it's not our fault and promptly hung up. So not only do I have to pay pack the $455.00 for them. Find out that I owe about $1200.00 in taxes.
Richie of Nitro WV (03/10/07)
I went to H&R Block to file my taxes was briefly offered different options. I was told that instant refund was denied from HSBC, but that I could still apply for the ral and that it was approved and to check back. After the two days I was given a number to call and the automated call service informed me it would be 8 to 15 days before my tax refund will be due. yeah right. H&R Block knew my application for instant refund had been denied within seconds and assured me that ral method would be no longer than two days but after two days their expertise and assurances are all gone.
Rachelle of Goshen IN (03/03/07)
My husband and I filed our taxes on the H&R Block website and we also got the ral loan, and was supposed to get it back within 2-3 days and now it's going on 5 days and we still don't have it. It was supposed to be deposited into our bank account, and it's not yet. I've called H&R Block and they can't tell me anything because they don't know anything. I also called the main IRS number and all they tell me is it's being processed and it could take up to 3 weeks to get it. I am very upset and I think it's false advertisement.
Lambert of Portsmouth, VA (02/20/07)
I went to HR Block on 2/1/07 to get my taxes prepared. I was approved for a RAL loan. I decided to get the Emerald card so I could get my money the same day or at least some of it. I paid $385 for the service and was not satisfied at all. It took me three weeks to get my money on the card and they did not refund any of the fees.
Patara of Indianapolis IN (01/31/07)
On January 30, 2007 I went in the h&r block to have my taxes prepared. Upfront I asked how long would it take for me to get my refund, because I had in apointment at the IRS and could have gotten an electronic refund in two weeks for free because I am low income. I was told that there were different options that would be told to me after I my tax information was put in the system but I could get it in 1-2 days. After all my information was put in the system I was told I was approved for a ral loan and that I could either recieve $500 today minus $300 and change for fees and get the remaining in 1-2 days or wait 1-2 days and receive the full amount.
I was given an emerald debit card and told the funds would be available in 1-2 days. The next day I get a call from H&R block saying the bank denied my loan and it would be available in 8-14 days. I asked if the same fees were gonna be charged, since I was being charges over $300 in all. The lady was very sharp with me and not helpful. I feel like I have been totally scammed especially now after reading all the other testimonies of other H&R block customers. This is a total bait and switch situation.
I am a single mother of two. Recently unemployed and on welfare. All my bills are behind. I was counting on the immediate money before my car is repossessed and other bills are put in collection. I cannot afford to give away $300 for nothing.
M. of Olean NY (01/30/07)
I went to file my taxes on 1/27/07. Because I'm a single mom with four kids and a single job, I'm always in dire straits financially, and opted for the most money I could get the quickest I could get it. I did not qualify for the Instant Cash option, but did qualify (I thought) for the RAL product. They gave me instant cash that started out being $500, but after all their fees and the bank's, the amount that was actually deposited onto the prepaid debit card was $226.26. They told me the rest would be deposited on the card in 1 to 2 days.
Two days have gone by...no cash. When I called them, they were downright snotty, telling me that the bank denied the RAL for internal bank reasons that they didn't know about. Now I have to wait for 8-10 days.
Not only did I spend way too much money on the opportunity to get cash quickly, but now I'm not even sure what's wrong or if I can count on getting this money next week. At this point, the bank that handled the RAL decision shouldn't even be involved anymore. They've taken their fees so that money should go from the IRS straight to me; not to them. So what happened? Is it just the whole H&R scam? Is it the credit thing? Or, is it something else?
I'm now sitting on pins and needles waiting to see if something else is wrong. I find it difficult to believe that everyone else who applies for quick money from H&R isn't in the same situation I'm in...perpetually broke and living from payday to payday. Credit shouldn't have anything to do with this RAL. If the IRS accepts the application, that should be good enough for the bank. They're already making money hand-over-fist off people who can't afford to spend that kind of money.
Paul of Cincinnati OH (01/28/07)
Me and my family came here to file out taxes, like we have done for the last 15 years. This time the person servicing us stated that WE have a new bank product this year. Your ral in 1-2 days guaranteed! we have used there services for years and allways have gotten rapid refund in as little as 3-6 days. We trusted their product and tried it this year. on 1-26-07 the HR branch stated that we didn't qualify for RAL. This is a first in 15 years!!!! We were denied for internal bank reasons! They would give any contact numbers for the bank. And they also couldn't or wouldn't look into a refund of $346.76 in tax and bank fees.
This has cost our family a lot of financial grief this time. This has never happened before and it wont happen again. These services that this company is offering is geared toward people with low income who cannot afford to pay the $100 upfront to get there taxes done and a refund in 10 days.
Helen of Redlands CA (01/27/07)
I inquired about an Instant Refund Loan as I was desperate for money. I indicated I needed to take money home with me as soon as I filed. I had them do my taxes and they offered me a debit card with a credit of up to 2500.00 until my refund loan could be processed, depending on what their bank decided. I received $500, of which the tax prep, filing fees, and interest would be deducted from. They said the remainder of my refund (over 6,000) would be added within 1-2 days. It was my understanding that I would only get $500 that day, and would have to wait for up to 48 hours for the balance of the refund.
The very next day there was a message on my answering machine to call Tim at H & R Block (their records have my home, cell, and work). The only way I received the message is because my boyfried called me with the message. I was told that the bank had denied my loan, I told him I didn't even know it was a loan, (I thought that's why I didn't get the $2,500) and I would get a refund sent to their office in 8 - 10 days.
I let him know that I had a debit card - he said it would show up in 8 - 10 days. I said, well, I paid $222 for you all to lend me $280, and I could have filed and monitored my own taxes. His response was he was only the messenger. I feel that a plain English (or whatever the native language happens to be) explanation of what to expect from H & R Block, if I had know that I was only going to get $280 for the time frame, I would have went to my local loan shark - it would have been a lot cheaper. I'm angry for two reasons, one they should have made it clearer that this was a two step process, and since I made myself clear about needing the money when I left, they should have checked it out and let me know that day that I would not be getting the money as soon as I expected - NOT leaving me a message on my answering machine, since they had all the numbers needed to contact me personally. And second, for letting myself get in to this situation.
Emid of Canoga Park CA (01/16/07)
I was misinformed by the Senior Tax Advisor about the Rapid refund options available. They stated that one was based solely on acceptance of my IRS Tax Return, and the other was credit driven. I already know my credit is bad, so obviously I chose the option that left my credit out of the equation. I was told I would receive my check on the 5th or the 8th of January only to find out on the 5th that the IRS wasn't accepting returns until the 12th. I was told my return would come back on the 15th or 16th. No problem I said. I trust it will be there this time.
Now I get a call on the 15th telling me that my RAL was declined due to a tax lien or student loan. It was actually my credit (as stated by HSBC Bank...the lending bank) and not a tax lien (as stated by the Tax Advisor).
Now that the deed is done, I can't go anywhere else because the IRS already has my return, so I'm stuck with H&R Block. I made payment arrangements with gas, phone, car note, and electricity bills. I'm a single father of three, money doesn't come easily around here. If I would have known the truth in the beginning, I would gone about things differently, and definately would not have used their services. I know my credit is bad, so why would approach a bank when I know they base loans on credit or financial statements.
My options now are to take it like a man. Checks are going to bounce, lights will probably get cut off. Once that happens, I'm effectively out of business because I'm an independent insurance broker working from home. I'm resourceful, so I'm sure I'll find a way to take care of things. I'm just shocked at how little H&R Block has done to admit & correct their campaign of misinformation. No sorry for the lies and inconvenience. I pay for the convenience. I could filed for free and gotten my money from the IRS faster than they're giong to do it; and no thank you for the money they ripped off.
Andrea of Snover MI (01/16/07)
I went into H&r block..and I was given the instant refund...But it wasn't instant it was slit up with three different times..I had to pay $167.00 for 5 day process..they didn't tell me that until we was signing the paper work that we would only be getting $800.00 then $930.00 on day and then the next day...It was a big hassle..it wasn't instant...they should be laws to help us understand these tax people
Sharmel of Suitland MD (04/18/06)
I went and did my taxes at H & R block in 2000 and I was told that I could get my loan back in five days with a ral loan. So I signed the papers for the loan. and then the IRS didnt pay the loan, so I have to pay 4,560. the next year. The IRS took my refund and paid the loan to Household Bank. It was on my credit as bad credit, and I still was out of my refund. What can i do to get my money back from my 2000 tax return?I was waiting for my money and I got behind in my bills. My Car was repoed, and I just got behind in my bills.
Phillip of Shirley NY (03/06/06)
We applied for an RAL loan and was told to come in the next day; the next day we were told that we had been deined for the loan (we had been told when we filed the parers that it was already approved). Now after checking with the IRS I found that our refund has been deposited into their (H&R Block) account. I called H&R Block and asked about getting our money, the woman told me that it wouldn't be available until 3/9 and we would have to pay $25 for the check.
I stated that I could have had my money already if it had been deposited into my account and she told me no it would take an additional 2 weeks...I checked with the IRS to see if this is true and they just said no, a direct deposit is just that. Don't know what to do about it....just extremely annoyed.
Fred of Saint Thomas PA (03/06/06)
I decided to file my Federal taxes with H & R Block this year (2006) in order to get a rapid refund. I went to their local branch on February 3rd, 2006. I dropped off the paperwork, and told them I wanted to file "Rapid Refund". I was told that it would be a week or more before they could get to them, but they said "leave the paperwork, and as soon as we can, we'll do it and give you a call. On February 9th they called me, and I came into the office to sign everything.
I was to get $465 back. The fee was to be $75 for the paperwork preparation and $29 if I wanted direct deposit of the refund, the amount of the refund would be about $360. I told them that I did not want to have the funds direct deposited, just have the check sent to the office and I would pick it up. By March the 3rd I had not heard anything from them. I went on-line to IRS.gov and looked up the status of my refund. It said that the funds had been direct deposited on February 24th, and that the amount deposited was only $70.
I did some quick math, and realized that the IRS had withheld an amount that I had previously owed, and that the net remainder was $70. I immediately called the Block office and spoke with the manager. I explained to him that it had been over a month since I filled for a "Rapid Refund", and had not heard anything from them, and that the IRS says my refund had already been "deposited". I told him that I had never provided a routing number for any deposit, so how did they direct deposit it, and where was my money?
He said that by "deposited", that meant it had been deposited in THEIR account, and that I was responsible for the fee ($29), and that rather than receiving a refund of $70, I actually owed THEM $45! I told him that first of all, I was verbally told by two of the preparers that had worked on my taxes, that since it had taken soooo long for them to do my paperwork (was just a standard return), that there would ONLY be a $25 charge for everything.
I told this to the manager, and he basically called me a liar, since he "knows" his employees would never have told me that. My wife and I had BOTH heard the same thing from both preparers! I asked him how he could possibly be charging me $75 for a "Rapid Refund" also, when it took over a month to get a resolution from the IRS, and then had never bothered to call me? This is HARDLY RAPID!!! He got very nasty with me, and said "Sir, we WILL bill you for this $45, and you WILL pay it. You are wrong and WE are right". So much for their "Complete Customer Satisfaction Guarantee"!
Sally of New Port Richey FL (02/24/06)
My husband and I went in to do our taxes on the 3rd of February. We had had a problem last year, but thought it was a one time thing. Anyhow, we opted for the 1 day, they said they saw no problem , to call back the next day. Needless to say, the next day they gave us 1/2 check and almost 11 days later, the rest, less the 2 day fee. I think this is ridiculous. If I had even gotten it in 4 days I wouldn't have complained, but to pay $229 for 12 day service is absurd.
S of Mohawk NY (02/12/06)
I had my taxes prepaired at H&R Block. I needed my money quickly to pay a few bills so I opted to get my money in 1-3 days. I didn't get my money until 5 days - that's not what I paid for.
The H&R Block associates are very rude and put you on hold and then hang up on you when you call. I called the district office and the woman said she would have a representative get ahold of me in a couple of days. It has now been two weeks and no respoonse.
I will never go to H&R Block ever again.
Stacey of East Boston MA (01/31/06)
I went to H&R Block to get my taxes filed. I did get the 1-2 day RAL which i have been getting for the last 4 years. i have never had a problem. However this year I have been calling the office to chck to see if my check has come because this is the 3rd day and they said it hasen't. so i called their bank thats on the form they gave me. The bank in turn told me that my information was missing something and they rejected my request.
I called the east boston h&R block office and was told by the receptionist that she gave my file to the mgr and he is lookiing at it. I now have to wait another couple days and i think that i deserve some kind of credit for them not taking care of my information when the hbsc bank returned that file they should get right on the phone and called me to let me know what had happened.
Ruth of Milwaukee WI (01/27/06)
I've used the online tax services with H&R Block. I prepared the taxes and went ahead and e-filed. I was never prompted for an option for receiving my expected refund. The only option given was to print out and mail in the forms or to e-file. I went ahead and e-filed. Only after it was filed do I find out that due to my financial situation, I was automatically being offered a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL) through H&R Block's own HSBC Bank. I was not given the option to refuse this loan. Now my taxes have been e filed and the bank routing and account numbers that appear on my 1040 (automatically filled in and filed by H&R) is not my own account number. At this point I have no idea whose, what, how, this account number appears as the recipient of my refund.
H&R BLock's online chat help with "Christina V." was no help. Her response was: don't worry about the loan, if you don't qualify you will simply be charged the bank fee and the remainder of your refund will be forwarded to your account. (Mind you at this point I have not submitted an account to which they will forward the "remaining" refund amount).
Gabriella of Nashville TN (01/19/06)
I always file my taxes myself electronically and have my refund within 10 days using Turbotax, which costs only a few dollars. This year I decided to get the rapid refund, so filed with H&R Block. Big mistake! The guy who was helping me prepare my taxes continually made errors while entering my information into the computer, so had to keep correcting him so my return would be filed correctly. This company charges outrageous fees to just file a basic return, and even more so when you want your refund fast.
Well, as it turns out, when I called to find out the status of my return, I had been denied for the rapid refund after I had been assured by the representative that I had been approved, because I specifically asked him what would happen if I weren't since I was paying so much extra money for this service. His exact words were "Oh no, you're already approved. There won't be a problem. Hmmmmm. So much for their guarantee of accuracy.
Well, needless to say, I wasn't and when I asked the reason, I was told by a manager "That they weren't privy to bank information and couldn't tell me anything". Interesting since they had no problem collecting the money for the service of which I was denied, but could give me any further information, nor the information of the bank which denied me. To make a long story very short, I am basically out $139.00 for virtually nothing. I gained absolutely no benefit from filing with them because the end result is the same, except alot more costly.
Tricia of Grand Rapids MI (01/10/06)
My husband and I went in on January 7th to have our taxes done. Needing the money asap, we paid to have a refund anticipation loan so we would have our money in 2 days. On the 9th we called H&R Block to see if our check was in to find out that we paid for a 2 day service, however the 2 days didn't apply until the IRS started accepting efiling. That was not told to us at the time we did our taxes, in fact we verified with our tax preparer more than once that it was going to be in on the 9th because we desperately needed that extra money. Everytime we asked we were assured it would be in on the 9th. Well here it is the 10th no check and of coarse "nothing H&R Block can do"
Miranda of Chatsworth GA (2/2/05):
I have used H&R Block since I was old enough to work. I was recently surprised to find out that you cannot get the RAL if you have filed a chapter 13. My husband and I went into the office to have our taxes filed. The preparer never asked us if we had filed a chapter 13. She informed us we were turned down for the instant money but could pick up our check the next day. The next day when I called to pick it up they hadn't received it yet and we called back all day - still no check.
Finally I called and asked for the automated phine number, hoping I could get an answer there. Sure enough they said the IRS has accepted your return but due to a problem from last year there would be a delay in getting our refund. This was terrible news to us as we were expecting this money and really needed it or else we wouldn't have filed that way to pay the extra $200 to get it the next day.
I called H&R Block to find out what the problem was. They told me to call the IRS. I called the IRS and they told me that the IRS has not accepted anything because they don't even get it into their system for 48 hours. And that I should call the Household bank. Then I called back to the Block office to get this number. Guess what -- ONLY automated service, you can't speak to anyone. What a business!
Finally, I called the Block back and said "Could it be because of the chapter 13?" And the lady said "yeah if youve filed a 13, the bank won't approve you. It will be 2 weeks. This is awful! Its not like they don't know the money is coming -- they are taking out their part! I think this is ridiculous.
Connie of Monticello IN (1/31/05):
On Saturday 28th I picked up our rapid refund check from H&R Block, total $7411.00. I preceeded to go to Wells Fargo Bank of Monticello Indiana, where we bank and they would not cash this rapid refund check, they placed a hold on it for 7 days. I thought a rapid refund was a rapid refund. We paid $85.00 to receive this refund and cannot use it. I had house and car insurance due today, plus I am a diabetic and I need my medicine which I cannot purchase or pay my bills that are due because of this check.
I was so excited that we were getting this money back so we could pay bills and not have to worry about electric being shut off or phone service, or worry about not having insurance on vehicles. But not now! I doubt that this will even fase you because the owner of the H&R Block at Monticello sure didn't care, and neither did the bank.
I am tired of being ripped off by people. We work very hard for our money, and it should not be kept from us. This year has been very difficult for us because of helping an elderly parent with their debts, that's why getting this money fast was so important to us.
Sharon of Rochester NY (1/31/05):
I went in to have taxes filed and I was told I had to pay $128.00 to them plus another $25.00 for filing and another cost which would have only left me from FED: $5.00 and State 57.00. I was shocked to hear this -- how can they get away with charging low-income or anyone like this?
I am on DSS as I have heart trouble and bronchial asthma...and awaiting SSI. I receive a total of $120 a month cash and my rent is paid. I really needed this money for personal reasons and I had to pay someone $15.00 to even take me to the H&R office just to be treated as a fool and told if I want the money I would have to pay their fees.
Michael of Odessa TX (1/19/05):
Took my taxes to HR Block. I have filed my taxes every year with them. This will be the last time! Applied for the Rapid Refund Aplication Loan (RAL). The total cost was over $250.00 and the refund was about $4500.00 and HOUSEHOULD rejected me? Oh did I mention I did this same amount last year and was accepted AND I repaired my credit this year so it is better now than last year?
How can I be dissapproved for the RAL? They offer the RAL under the premise that they are loaning you X amount of dollars until your income tax check comes. So, I don't see where the risk is on their part, unless they do not do their jobs right. Secondly, now I have to wait 10-14 days to get my refund. And I'm stuck paying outrageous filing fees for something I could e-file online foe under 10 bucks. I can't go elsewhere because the IRS has already accepted my filing.
Should not the RAL application be done before the filing so you can choose to go somewhere else?
Helen of Hyde Park NY (2/24/04):
Took my taxes to be prepared by HR Block. It will also be my last time! Was asked to apply for the Rapid Refund ... was rejected due to credit history. I initially explained to the preparer that the loan would not go thru because of our credit history. We filed for bankruptcy (chapter 13) in '03 to save our home but was forced to sell our home before bank foreclosed. My husband is diagnosed with congestive heart failure of the worst kind (85% of his heart is non-functional). The medication keeps him pumping. He has been hospitalized and is in physical therapy. We needed the money badly. Our bills are horrendous. We are just poor afro-americans struggling for our survival.
After paying off the bank for our house we were left with little funds to cover all our major credit cards, etc. We tried to pay as much as we could but some continue to be unpaid. We were told not to go to H & R Block but we were strapped for cash. My husband takes heart medications that must be refilled every 30 days. We needed fast money.
Andy of Pittsburgh PA (4/14/03):
Took my taxes to HR Block to get completed for the first time. It will also be my last time! Applied for the Rapid Refund ... was rejected? How can I be dissapproved for the RAL? They offer the RAL under the premise that they are loaning you X amount of dollars until your income tax check comes. So, I dont see where the risk is on their part, unless they do not do their jobs right.
Secondly, now I have to wait 10-14 days to get my refund.
Robert of Yakima WA writes (2/1/02):
My wife and I took our taxes to H&R Block to be done for the Rapid Refund Anticipation Loan, we called this morning for the status and where told that we where denied the RAL. I called wanting to know why, they really couldn't tell me, but gave me the phone number to the the bank.
I called the Bank and could not speak to a live person. I called the H&R Block number and they couldn't help me either but took a complaint that I don't think they will do anything about. I ended up calling the corporate office and went through the same hassle with them. She told me that I was denied for internal bank reasons and that it was located in California but that was it. I finally found the bank's phone number and called them and was told I didn't meet thier criteria for the RAL so it will take about 2 weeks for my loan.
I took three days off of work so we could pay bills and purchase a computer for my wife before I go back out on the road, and I am very stressed out, and mad.
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