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H&R Block Taxcut

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Linda of Fairhope, AL May 9, 2009

I purchased my state (Alabama) tax e file service. It said that the funds would be deposited within 8-10 days directly into my account. This is why I chose this option, it was guaranteed. It has been 3 weeks and when I called the state revenue department to make sure that they received my return, I was told they received it but Alabama had to no funds available to pay the tax refunds and that HR Block should have known that. I guess it is posted somewhere, or electronically posted to these companies who make and regulate the tax software. Alabama will be paying refunds in 8 to 10 weeks. So basically, HR Block took my money for e file when there was no e file available. My question is did they have knowledge of the inability to pay refunds from Alabama. And since it is an online program, did they take diligence due their customers to notify them of this discrepancy? What about a banner ad that could have been added to their online program, this may have solved their (my) problem. And like everyone else, there is not a phone number to customer service to correct this problem.

I did however, talk live to what HR Block says is a live chat ad visor, only to find out it is just a computer with answers to only specific questions. If you don't put one of their pre-made questions in, the computer doesn't understand. So their live chat is just as much a fraud as their tax program is in my opinion. I do agree there should be a class action suit against this company and I would offer to do some research for it. All I can say is that I feel that HR Block has deceptive practices and they need to be looked at. I am not so concerned with getting my money back because I am not sure it will happen without a class action suit. I am however very concerned when a "reputable" company takes food from the mouth of the consumer, (possibly a ridiculous amount of money) without supplying the product that was promised, then guarantees it and doesn't give you a valid contact number. It appears to me that every TV commercial was just another incident to solicit a victim.

Nancy of Atwater, OH May 1, 2009

I filed my state tax returns on 4/3/2009, and I emailed the state of Ohio to find out why I have not received my refund yet, and they said it was not filed. I paid for the filing through HR block online, they took the money out on 4/3/2009. Not sure if the state will charge me for filing late.

wendy of DAVIS, CA April 24, 2009

I used the free file to process my tax return with HRBlock's online program (a link was provided on the IRS website). I was eligible to efile a federal return because of my low income last year. The website lead me through the federal return and when I went to efile it the program led me to the State of California return and it input the information to produce the state return. When I was going to send it electronically, the program indicated that I must pay 34.95 to efile the state return.

After spendin much effort and time to find a way out of this, to uncouple to two returns and efile the federal only, there was no apparent way to do so. So I paid the 34.95, only to be led to the next page which told me that California did not accept efiled returns. I then tried to find instructions on how to get my payment refunded but could not find this anywhere on their website. Since I could not efile the state and had found no way to separate the federal from the state I was forced to print the returns and mail them. the next day I went to the bank and filed a request to block the charge. Then I tried to find a number on the taxcut website that I could call to get an explanation and my money back. There was no number for customer service, so I finally found an 800 number on the main website for HR Block, I also called a local office, who told me they have nothting to do with TAXCUT FreeFile, they gave me an 800 number which referred me to a technical assistance number. When I spoke to the agent Michael, he began to interrupt me and argue with me.

I asked to speak with a supervisor and he said there was none, that they "walk in and out sometimes" but that he was by himself and there were no supervisors or managers to discuss this with. I explained that the online program which was supposed to be for income-qualified people to freefile, tricks and traps the user into the 34.95 fee for the California return. Michael told me that this fee is for using their software. He was very rude and I asked him if this was being recorded he said yes. I said good because your customer service is terrible. He put me on hold for a long silence and then came back to tell me that my issue would be sent to the "escalation dept" whereafter he took my name, address, email and phone and then somehow already had my home phone number, which I had not provided. He said all of this information would be used for someone to get back to me, maybe someone by the name of Teresa.

It has been 24 hours and there has been no call, no email, so I called back, they basically told me that there was no way I am getting my money back. I don't know if the "escalation dept will ever contact me. TAXCUT FREEFILE is not free and traps low income people into paying for a state return that can be completed for free on the State of California website. I want my 34.95 back. Thank you.

Gwen of Greenwich, CT April 3, 2009

I used Tax cut to file Federal, CT and NY returns for 2005. Almost 3 years later (just before statute tolled), CT audited us over how much reciprocity CT would give us for the NY income taxes paid. The CT Dept of Revenue just told me that they had audited hundreds of similar returns and found the same error by the Tax Cut progam on all and were coming after all of us for the taxes and 3 years of interest and penalties even though we had filed in good faith and properly followed the program. CT law gives reciprocity for the lesser of taxes paid to NY or taxes withheld but Tax Cut instructs you to use the NY taxes withheld shown on your w-2, which is not necessarily the lesser amount.

3 years of interest, penalties plus unexpected taxes and hassles.Potential audits for 06 and 07 returns that use same program. Tax cut 08 still uses the wrong info from the W-2 and doesn't provide for using the lesser of the amounts.

Mary of Neskowin, OR April 2, 2009

Purchased H&R Block TAXCUT software, Basic Federal edition. Package and instructions did not indicate in order to use it you had to download updated tax forms. Tried to use internet to get updated forms and it kept cutting out and telling me to try again later. I am on dial-up and if this does not permit a download the box should say so - prominently.

Also states if you're not completely satisfied, return it within 60 days and we'll refund the purchase price less shipping, handling. . . see inside for details. Nowhere, inside, outside, or anywhere has info on where to send the package for the refund. Making entries using the software was straightforward, but it was a complete waste of time and money because I could not complete my return, nor could I find a reference that would let me request s refund.

Cost was 19.99, but it wasted my time and gave all sorts of guarantees but no way to get to them. An 800 number would be a great help - they give all these guarantees, but make it impossible for one to use them.

Philip of Fredonia, NY March 31, 2009

Purchased their Tax Cut Program at Walmart. The cover plainly states: New! 5 FREE federal e-files included. When I opened up the package, it said: One free federal e-file. I used the program for 3 federal returns. I would have had to pay 19.95 I believe was the figure, if I wanted to file more than one. They are very careful not to give any address or telephone # to reach them. They gave an email address. When I tried that address, my computer said no such address.

I did not suffer any damage because I did not pay to use their efile. So I did not have the advantage of efiling. Actually, their program is good. I am not looking for any remedy, just would like to warn others.

Sharon of Pembroke, NH February 9, 2009

I filed my taxes for 2008 using H&R Block TaxCut Online Services. My refund to be deposited into my account by H&R Block was suppose to be in the amount of 2,362.10. That amount is minus their 44.90 fee for using the the online site 14.95 and for their Simple Pay Fee 29.95. H&R Block only deposited 2,203.10 shorting me 159.00 with no reason or notice. I was not contacted in any way, shape or form. Upon noticing this,

I then called H&R Block and was told the only thing he could tell me was that it was an authorized taking. He could not tell me why or what for. He gave me another number to call for H&R Block Bank. After calling them 3 times and being disconnected and put on hold for about 20 minutes I spoke to a gentleman who told me it was for a past fee owed for 159.00 I told him that fee had been paid over 1 year ago now. I gave him the check number, the date it cleared my bank, and the amount (159.00) he said he didn't need that info. and they never showed any payment, just the amount due. I responded that amount has been paid I have the proof right in front of me, who do I send it to? He said he didn't know.

All he could do was open a case file for me and someone (he didn't know who) will get back to me within 15 business days. I responded by telling him that was unacceptable to me. I explained I lived on a very strict budget and because of their unauthorized taking, caused me hardship. I now have to alter my rent payment and have no grocery money. He offered nothing except to wait for a call in 15 business days. I got no apology, no nothing. They immediately took out 159.00 but want me to wait 15 days before anyone will even talk to me about this unauthorized taking. So I'm out 159.00 and no one will help me. I have proof that debt was paid over a year ago. This is a clear cut case of unauthorized taking. As I stated before, I got no notice, information, nothing that they were taking this money. They just took it without my knowledge and now, tell me they can't do anything for at least 15 days???

I need MY money now. I can't afford to wait! If they took it immediately, why can't they give it back immediately upon showing them proof of their mistake?

Leslie of Louisa, KY February 3, 2009

loss of return amount. messed up taxes owed in another state. I have to pay another cpa a real cpa one that is not trained to enter in a number in a computer to ammend my taxes due to me lossing approx 1,000.00 in refund and i was harrassed in public infront of everyone in the office asking my nature of my disability, how i could pay 5,000.00 in medical expenses out of my pocket, saying i was a liar about my house interest amount paid, not having us sign a ky return which i told them the paper had to be signed and they said where?

they taxed my disability income and didn't let my husband claim me as a dependant. so much more had been done and i don't have time to retype all of it i need a phone call back

Karen of Janesville, WI February 3, 2009

I purchased the H&R Block's TaxCut program for 2005, 2006 and 2007. Each year everything seemed fine. Then in late 2007, I was audited. As soon as I received the audit notice, I did what the box told me to do. I called the 1-800 number. Much to my surprise, and in complete contrast from what they claim, they offer NO AUDIT SUPPORT! Outraged, I called every H&R Block office in my area trying to find one that was open that time of year. I managed to find one and went into their office with all of my things and asked for help.

The lady behind the counter literally asked me to see the box I purchased. I couldn't believe it. I didn't have it with me, but we pulled up an advertisement on her computer and I showed her the guarantee. Then she started to look at my paperwork and said Well, we can't help you with this, you are being audited. I asked about what happens if I receive fees and she wasn't sure. She had to look on the computer screen for the 1-800 number off the advertisement we pulled up. I told her my plight with the 1-800 number and that is when she told me they are not associated with TaxCut and are not responsible for what they offer or guarantee.

I now have a bill for over 5000 from those three years that I can't even begin to explain, much less comprehend. I caution anyone out there thinking of saving a few dollars in getting your returns filed less expensively and by someone who doesn't see past the fee you are paying them. AVOID H&R BLOCK like the PLAGUE.....it's what they do to you when they screw up!

I am stuck with this 5487.00 tax bill that I can't afford, yet must pay to the IRS. Interest is constantly added on, the bill never seems to go down and since the initial bill, I've gotten add on letters from the IRS for head of house hold credits they are adding on that I never even qualified for in those years, nor applied for to my knowledge.

James of Highland Park, MI February 23, 2008

I used the online version of the TaxCut Program to complete my taxes. My federal was successful, however my state was rejected. HR Block claims that it's not their fault, but my state's. Since TaxCut claims that they are in sync with the IRS and the states, they should be aware of any errors or problems that may occur. None such luck. When I did the check for errors procedure, the response from the program was that all was well and that they were ready for efile. However, there was a problem that TaxCut has known about and alerted me to the problem. Of all the free and lesser priced programs, I chose this one, not once, but three times. TaxCut, you're OUT! Only bad publicity with me as I spread the news!

Just false claims about what they can do....

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