Consumer Tax Warning

I have been using H&R Block on and off for over 10 years, this will be the last time I ever go back. I decided since I need my refund faster this year, that I would use their Rapid Anticipation Loan which gives you your refund back in 1-2 days. My taxes are pretty cut and dry, which is why I usually prepare my own and simply have them file for me to get the loan. I was in and out this year in 20 minutes, paperwork was done incorrectly, and I am now waiting for up to two weeks for a refund I paid almost $300 for to receive faster.

It was bad enough I didn't receive my W2 from my old employer until Jan. 31, after repeated reminders and a final threat that if it wasn't postmarked by then I was filing a complaint. I took both my W2's up to H&R Block and waited my turn on Saturday, January 31.

It was a rushed process, the tax preparer kept getting up to help the other two workers. She kept typing in the wrong information as I sat there and pointed her mistakes out. There really is nothing funny about a wrong social security number on a tax return, yet somehow she thought there was. I turned down the Instant Loan, which seemed a good idea at the time. I was told that the IRS wasn't handing out entire refunds using that method this year. I then accepted the Rapid Anticipation Loan as I have done every other year. I was told that yes I was approved, and my check should be in the office in 1-2 days. I was handed a little business card and told have a night.

I called the number on that little card 4 hours later. Yes the IRS had accepted my federal return, but unfortunately I was turned down for the RAL, and my check would be ready to be picked up in 8-15 days. What! Needless to say, I am not a happy camper. I headed over to the H&R Block office and tried to get a refund on the large fees I had paid. It was not a pleasant experience. I was told they cannot control who is approved and who isn't, and there is no return on fees paid. I asked how a fee can be paid for a loan, when the loan is no longer offered. Their answer is that a check is still coming from the bank they use, there by making it a loan still.

I paid a total of $403 out of my $5,861 federal tax refund for a loan I am no longer getting. I could have done that on my own. I informed them I will no longer be a customer, and that once my check is in, I want all of my information out of their system. After coming home I got online and started doing a bit of digging. I found a consumer complaints board where there are over 100 H&R Block customers in the same situation as I am. Some have worse stories, depending on this fast loan and not receiving it.

An H&R Block representative come onto the boards and blasted the complainers by saying anyone with bad credit shouldn't apply for the loans, as they will get turned down. I'm sorry but this isn't technically a loan, it's a payday advance on a government refund and there is a difference. The two refund loans are aimed at low income families, and yet we are the ones getting turned down for them. There is no warning from the tax prepareres that the credit limits are strict this year, the rules tougher on receiving the loans.

I am joining the bandwagon of unhappy consumers and I warn anyone needing their tax refunds faster this year, do NOT go to H&R Block. Get online and do it yourself for free. As for me, I will sit here and cross my fingers that my check comes in soon.

**UPDATE**

I went in to the H&R Block office today, my check still isn't in. I was told my fees will be somewhat adjusted and also given the number of the district manager. Of course when I tried the number, its an invalid extension number. I reported this to the worker, and she told me it was the only number she had. Nice try there guys, I'm still filing my complaints.

Source-http://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/hr_block_ral.html