H&R Block Online ripoff tax return Internet Nationwide

I used CompleteTax the past two years but decided to use a "real" online service this year.

HR Block online screwed up my state return, then basically told me to fix it myself when the state income tax office sent it back to me.

If your return is anything remotely different than a basic 10 minute return that any online / desktop software can do, good luck with this service. All I had was a basic Change of Address form that wasnt calculated correctly by the software, even though the site "guarantees" that my return is accurate. Of course, they didnt figure it out -- I had to figure this out for myself. The customer support rep was more concerned with clearing his queue than solving my problem.

If I do get my state filing fee refund back from HR Block, then im out the cost of postage and the time wasted.

HR Block really wants to give you a sub-par online product so you'll be forced to go to a branch office and really pay them $$$ -- The money back guarantee applies to the IRS penalties and fees, but not HR Block's cut. Their excuse is probably "you get what you pay for" but there's other companies that will give you a better product. Needless to say it was "too bad" instead of "what can we do to fix it?"

Here's my customer support transcript, online chat capture. The phone number is included if you want to call them directly, but I dont know if it's real or if there's even a point to calling them:
The next available Agent will be with you in a moment.
All agents are currently busy. Please stand by.
You have been connected to Representative.
Representative: Hello HRBlock Victim, welcome to H & R Block's Live Technical Support Chat! How can we assist you today?
HRBlock Victim: Hi, I have an issue with my state tax return
Representative: Okay
Representative: What's the issue?
HRBlock Victim: i filled it out online at your site and they returned part of it, said it wasnt complete
HRBlock Victim: the IT-360.1 form
Representative: What state?
HRBlock Victim: NY
Representative: May I please have the primary social security number on your account?
HRBlock Victim: xxxxxxxxx
Representative: Who returned part of it?
HRBlock Victim: NY state processing center
Representative: Did you mail the state return?
HRBlock Victim: yes
Representative: What part did they say is incomplete? The whole form?
HRBlock Victim: "It appears the the IT-360.1 attached to your return is incomplete. If you were a resident of the city... blah blah, complete Form IT-360.1, Change of City Resident Statues, using the instructions enclosed.
HRBlock Victim: "
Representative: You can return to that portion of the program and make changes.
HRBlock Victim: What changes
HRBlock Victim: thats the question, i answered the questions in your program, this is what i got
HRBlock Victim: a returned tax return
Representative: Can you hold on a moment?
HRBlock Victim: sure, no problem
Representative: Click on Review/Edit. Click on State Return
Representative: Click on Yonkers and New York City.
HRBlock Victim: ok
HRBlock Victim: ok
Representative: Edit that information.
HRBlock Victim: 72
HRBlock Victim: edit what
HRBlock Victim: i've already done this
Representative: Make the changes based on what the New York state paper says.
HRBlock Victim: i told you all it says is to complete the form and it gives me the entire state income tax return book for new york. if all you are telling me is i have to redo my taxes by myself, then give me a refund
Representative: Sorry for the inconvenience. I will give you a refund on the state return for your inconvenience.
HRBlock Victim: OK when will that be done
Representative: Right now.
HRBlock Victim: Can I get your manager's name, your full name and a phone number where you can be reached at?
Representative: xxxxx is my supervisor. The phone number we can be reached at 816-504-1599.
HRBlock Victim: and your last name?
Representative: I understand your frustration. I am the only Representative in this department. I just want you to understand that this is a do-it-yourself product. We can only direct you where to enter your information.
HRBlock Victim: and are you going to add the postage I had to spend to send in this faulty return?
HRBlock Victim: it was $4.65
Representative: I am going to refund you for the price of the state return.
HRBlock Victim: well, im glad the hr block guarantee holds up.
HRBlock Victim: thanks for costing me $4.65 and a lot of wasted time.
Representative: Sorry for the inconvenience.
Representative: Is there anything else we can assist you with today?
HRBlock Victim: no, that's it.
Representative: Thank you for contacting H&R Block, HRBlock Victim, and we look forward to serving you in the future!
HRBlock Victim: i dont think so

Jim
Jacksonville, Florida
U.S.A.

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