H&R Block, Gavin scam, deceptive trade practices, false advertising, ripoff Kansas City Missouri

but the online tax estimator is just an estimate. if you read their terms of service, which you agree to by accessing their website:

14. Disclaimer of Warranties

Except as expressly provided otherwise in an applicable Supplemental Agreement, we disclaim any and all responsibility or liability for the timeliness, sequence, quality, accuracy, content, completeness, legality, reliability, operability or availability of information or material contained on the Sites. The Sites may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. We disclaim any responsibility for the deletion, failure to store, misdelivery, or untimely delivery of any information or material in respect of the Sites or the use thereof. Any communications sent to you via the Sites or otherwise from us (including without limitation in the form of newsletters, electronic mail or via telephone), and the contents of the Sites (including without limitation any financial market data and tax information) are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal, investment, tax or accounting advice and should not be relied upon in that regard. Your financial and tax situation may be unique and therefore you should independently consult a tax advisor.

As you can see, they put in their terms of service that they take no legal responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained on their website and you should not take it as advice without consulting with a tax advisor.

The fact that they offered you a refund for the software is all you should expect. They never made you pay to file with another company. You could have filed your taxes yourself for free. They never claimed that their software or their estimator was correct as seen in the terms of use for the website.

I'm sorry you had such a rough time with them, but really the attorney general is right. There isn't much that can be done.

I've already prepared my taxes, and sent them into the IRS, and they've been accepted, but I came across your complaint and decided to go onto H&R Block's website and gave it a spin. I do have two dependents, and qualified for the EIC. I entered all of my information as I was prompted, and in the end, the estimated figure it gave me for my federal return was $5,041.

My actual return was $5,038

I'm not discrediting your situation, but I thought I would share this. It was d**n near perfect on estimating my return for me.

Crystal, thank you for your comments. Negative comments like someone had posted before on here are something I am used to. I've been dealing with unethical companies for over six years and am never surprised when someone sides with unethical companies. I do have plans up scanning all the documents and posting them on my website so that others can be warned and see the truth about H&R Block. I scan the documents so that people can see that I'm telling the truth when I write about a company.

What's sad is that the Missouri Attorney General sat on his but and just said there's nothing he could do. This is why I put more confidence in websites like Rip-Off Report than I do in government agencies or so called "non-biased" agencies like the Better Business Bureau. I've personally seen the BBB side with a member when the evidence was right in front of them.

No worries on me giving up. My favorite song and personal motto is the one by Twisted Sister, "We're Not Going To Take It!"

Nichloas-
Way to go! Don't let them take advantage of you or get away with this I fully understand the reason for your complaint and the poor service you have received. I have to say I have filed with H & R block now for a few years now and never received bad service yet... But by reading all of the complaints on this website I will glady start doing my taxes online through the IRS website. You never know when it will be you on the bad service side Although I did see a lot of pissed off people while waiting for my turn to see a "tax preparer". For example they were calling these people who needed more time to get all of there paper work needed to complete the tax process, and making appointments. Just to find out that it was there "busy season", and those appointments were basically null and void. It's good for me who was just a walk in because they have to wait in line like me, however this was not fair. You had couples meeting together on their lunch hour to file there taxes, and now had to wait in line like the rest of us. This is just one of many devious things that they are getting away with, and if you make a difference by going all the way more power to you. Because know its not about the money its about the principal, and they could have resolved it within the FIRST week you had a complaint. -good luck and keep us updated

Nichloas-
Way to go! Don't let them take advantage of you or get away with this I fully understand the reason for your complaint and the poor service you have received. I have to say I have filed with H & R block now for a few years now and never received bad service yet... But by reading all of the complaints on this website I will glady start doing my taxes online through the IRS website. You never know when it will be you on the bad service side Although I did see a lot of pissed off people while waiting for my turn to see a "tax preparer". For example they were calling these people who needed more time to get all of there paper work needed to complete the tax process, and making appointments. Just to find out that it was there "busy season", and those appointments were basically null and void. It's good for me who was just a walk in because they have to wait in line like me, however this was not fair. You had couples meeting together on their lunch hour to file there taxes, and now had to wait in line like the rest of us. This is just one of many devious things that they are getting away with, and if you make a difference by going all the way more power to you. Because know its not about the money its about the principal, and they could have resolved it within the FIRST week you had a complaint. -good luck and keep us updated

Nichloas-
Way to go! Don't let them take advantage of you or get away with this I fully understand the reason for your complaint and the poor service you have received. I have to say I have filed with H & R block now for a few years now and never received bad service yet... But by reading all of the complaints on this website I will glady start doing my taxes online through the IRS website. You never know when it will be you on the bad service side Although I did see a lot of pissed off people while waiting for my turn to see a "tax preparer". For example they were calling these people who needed more time to get all of there paper work needed to complete the tax process, and making appointments. Just to find out that it was there "busy season", and those appointments were basically null and void. It's good for me who was just a walk in because they have to wait in line like me, however this was not fair. You had couples meeting together on their lunch hour to file there taxes, and now had to wait in line like the rest of us. This is just one of many devious things that they are getting away with, and if you make a difference by going all the way more power to you. Because know its not about the money its about the principal, and they could have resolved it within the FIRST week you had a complaint. -good luck and keep us updated

This is a response to Greenmoney's comments. First of all, there is no need to attempt to degrade my integrity. You done so when you chose to insult me by posting that you became dumber just by reading my postings. If you want to disagree with me, then fine. If you feel dumber by reading these posts, then go elsewhere. No one twisted your arm to come here.

As for your comments, they are indicative of a person that does not read a post in it's entirety.

"First of all, you didn't PAY money for an online estimate, therefore you don't have a contract with H&R Block for them to give you an FREE estimate. An estimate is just that, an estimate. They don't owe you anything by giving you a FREE estimate."

Please read my posts again. If so, then you will notice that my complaint involves them utilizing the free estimate to hype up one's potential returns. I do understand that an estimate is just that. However, I would hope that an estimate is in a ball park figure. The estimate the online estimator gave me was not even in the ball park. It was down the street at the Hot Dog stand.

"Seems like you are unhappy about your refund amount and wanted to take it out on someone: H&R Block."

No. I already had an idea of what I would be getting back. My idea of what I was going to get back was around what I actually did get back. I was not taking out any anger out on H & R Block. What I was doing was seeking justice against a company that was utilizing false advertising and deceptive trade practices (details in previous posts, please read).

"You are why America is so mess up."

Because I stand up against con artists and rip off companies, I am the reason why America is messed up? No, the reason for the mess ups in America is because of all the con artists and companies ripping people off.

"Tax is a complicated subject. Good luck trying to understand it with a $25 tax software."

Once again, please read my posts. I do not have complicated taxes at all. The only deductions I had was a dependent. That's it. No fancy yachts, house boats, or anything else that might add complexity to my taxes.

I have dealt with ripoff companies for many years. I have seen people like you post on here. Those that stand up for ripoff companies and con artists. I bet if you would get ripped off you would not think in such a "Holier Than Thou" attitude.

I don't work for H&R Block. From reading this case I just got dumber. Your case will be dismissed by the court.

First of all, you didn't PAY money for an online estimate, therefore you don't have a contract with H&R Block for them to give you an FREE estimate. An estimate is just that, an estimate. They don't owe you anything by giving you a FREE estimate.

Seems like you are unhappy about your refund amount and wanted to take it out on someone: H&R Block.

You are why America is so mess up.

Tax is a complicated subject. Good luck trying to understand it with a $25 tax software.

A few days ago, I filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office and today I went to the City of Morgan City Courthouse and filed a small claims suit against H&R Block, Inc. I will also be filing a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.

Even though I have filed suit, I feel that the Attorney Generals of the respective states (Louisiana and Missouri) need to know of H&R Block's deceptive practices.

I will update this report as the matter progresses.

A few days ago, I filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office and today I went to the City of Morgan City Courthouse and filed a small claims suit against H&R Block, Inc. I will also be filing a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.

Even though I have filed suit, I feel that the Attorney Generals of the respective states (Louisiana and Missouri) need to know of H&R Block's deceptive practices.

I will update this report as the matter progresses.

A few days ago, I filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office and today I went to the City of Morgan City Courthouse and filed a small claims suit against H&R Block, Inc. I will also be filing a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.

Even though I have filed suit, I feel that the Attorney Generals of the respective states (Louisiana and Missouri) need to know of H&R Block's deceptive practices.

I will update this report as the matter progresses.

A few days ago, I filed a complaint with the Missouri Attorney General's Office and today I went to the City of Morgan City Courthouse and filed a small claims suit against H&R Block, Inc. I will also be filing a complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General's Office.

Even though I have filed suit, I feel that the Attorney Generals of the respective states (Louisiana and Missouri) need to know of H&R Block's deceptive practices.

I will update this report as the matter progresses.

Nicholas and Joseph, thanks for the EIC clarifications, it's always been a mystery' credit to me that I fully assumed applied only for those with children or dependents.

Nicholas, I wish you luck in your endeavor. To have worked so hard on this issue, and repeatedly being met with the stonewalling of the employees for months on end is frustrating beyond belief. I wish I had SOME kind of help to offer with this situation, but I suspect you are doing all that can be done, and probably more than I would've done before just giving up and giving in.

For what it's worth, Nicholas, it usually is the squeaky wheel that gets the grease! So hoping to hear your victory story, and in any event, would just like to know how it comes out. Wishing you many blessings, especially in compensation for all these struggles!

Nicholas,

I did not see how you filed you return, but EIC is not just for children.

1. If you have sufficiently low income, you can receive EIC for children under the age of 24 if they are still going to school (i.e., College). Age is not a factor.

From the IRS:

Age

Your child must be:

a. Under age 19 at the end of 2006,
b. A full-time student under age 24 at the end of 2006, or
c. Permanently and totally disabled at any time during 2006, regardless of age.

Amount

a. $36,348 ($38,348 married filing jointly) with two or more qualifying children;
b. $32,001 ($34,001 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child;

2. If you have sufficiently low income (around $12,120 or less, ($14,120 MFJ), no qualifying children and are between the ages of 25 to 64 inclusive, you are entitled to EIC.


3. Here's the catch, you are entitled to EIC if you have a dependent over the age of 24, who is permanently and totally disabled.

If you inadvertently indicated the dependent was disabled on the estimator, the program would take that into consideration.

The programming for EIC credit doesn't change very often, with usually the dollar limitations being the only thing changed. I would think, without having actually checked the program, that you may have inadvertently struck the wrong indicator on either the estimator or your tax return.

Juliet, thank you for that information. I have looked over the IRS website. There is actually an online test you can take to see if you qualify for EIC. You can go to the IRS link below to take the test to see if you are eligible for EIC:

http://apps.irs.gov/app/eitc2006/Forward_Eligibility.do

According to the IRS, you can make no more than $12,120.

For the information I put in, it stated that my gross income and adjusted gross income needed to be less than $12,120. Considering that the income I input on the H&R Block was over $12,120, I would say that is another possible "error" on their website. Therefore, I must ask, how the heck did they "calculate" me getting such a high EIC? I have no children. Only one dependent (an adult, age 47).

Michele,

I take it you have not fully read the statements I made. If so, then you would not be wondering why I consider H&R Block deceptive. Firstly, your comment of "Is it because you aren't able to just deduct whatever you feel like to inflate your refund? I'm sorry, but H&R Block is not in the business of defrauding the government." is very unprofessional. It seems that you want to portray me as some malicious consumer trying to defraud the government. I would watch my tongue if I were you. Such unprofessional statements may land you in civil court.

However, I will reiterate why they are deceptive.

1.) Online estimator system calculates me as having a $2,747 EIC. As I previously stated, according to my research on the IRS website as well as by talking with the IRS, it was stated that an EIC is for CHILDREN ONLY!

Now, it seems that H&R Block was trying to "inflate" the refund to try and get me to buy their software. Defrauding the government? You might want to look for fraudsters within your own organization. According to Mr. John Griggs (Director of H&R Block Customer Support), he ran a test batch with the information I gave him. He was able to input my dependent's information (including the age of 47) and the TaxCut accepted it as a valid EIC claim. With such flaws in the software, I can see many TaxCut users getting audited by the IRS in the future.

2. The comments about McDonald's and Burger King. Once again, please read the posts fully before jumping to your employer's defense. I gave H&R Block the opportunity to help resolve these technical issues. How many months should a customer have to wait for technical support? As stated in previous posts, I waited over a month! How long was I to wait before going to a professional service?

3. "Lastly, I want to clarify your misinformation as to the training of us, the tax professionals of H&R Block. Yes, we are seasonal, but many of us work part time during the rest of the year in offices or teaching tax classes. To begin employment with H&R Block, you have to take a tax course that lasts 60 hours, which typically takes about 12 weeks to complete. Then there is some paid training time to get you familiar with their tax software."

I personally know people that have used H&R Block "professional" services. Their experience was the same as mine at Jackson Hewitt. Person looks at the W-2s, asks a few basic questions and that's it. They do the SAME thing I done using tax software.

I don't doubt that you might have to have additional training/continuing education. Based upon my experiences, though, I don't personally recommend any "professional tax services" to anyone unless they have complex taxes. If so, then I recommend now for them to pay the money and hire a licensed person, such as a CPA. Even with all of your continuing education, please don't tell me that you can compare with a tax expert.

I don't make assumptions, however, I am entitled to my opinion. Just because I don't feel that services such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt don't measure up very much does not mean that I am just "making assumptions."

My suggestions to you are to read entire posts before posting your quick defenses. Since you claim that I am some person trying to defraud the government, I must ask, "Is H&R Block paying you extra to defend them here?"

In any case, I am glad you responded. My personal website deals with consumer ripoffs. You are a perfect example of the types of people that H&R Block has coming to their defense. Someone that rattles off at the mouth without reading everything first.

You don't have to take my word for it. Just search for H&R Block on here. By the way, were you simply lurking around ripoffreport.com looking for people that post against the company you work for? In fact, Google H&R Block. You'll read about a settlement where H&R Block had to pay $360 million to consumers of a class action suit for gouging consumers whom took out refund anticipation loans. That was in 2005. Then, in 2006 Attorney General Bill Lockyer filed a lawsuit against H&R Block alleging they violated 15 state and federal laws in marketing and providing high-cost refund anticipation loans (RALs) mainly to low-income families. Don't they ever learn their lesson?

Gee! Looks like a lot of defrauding there!

EIC (Earned Income Credit) is NOT just for children/dependents.

I qualified for EIC because my income for 2006 was below a specified dollar amount. I didn't know what that dollar amount was, the online tax programs that I accessed informed me of this. Had I done my taxes myself, I doubt I would have ever even read the qualifications for the EIC because I also thought it was just regarding children.

Try the online programs like I recommended. See what your results are, it's free, so there's nothing to lose, and could provide you with additional evidence of any possible wrongdoing by H&R Block.

Nicholas,

Let me say I am sorry some of our people you spoke with on the phone were rude to you, unfortunately that happens sometimes.

But I just do not understand a few things in your report. How were their practices deceptive? Because the software didnt work? Bugs in a program happen. Is it because you aren't able to just deduct whatever you feel like to inflate your refund? I'm sorry, but H&R Block is not in the business of defrauding the government.

Further, why would they refund your fees to Jackson Hewitt? H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt are not the same company. You did not "have to" file your taxes through JH, you chose to. You could have done your taxes yourself, had a friend do them, or use one of the numerous "free file" sites available. But you didn't, you chose to pay Jackson Hewitt.

That would be like having a bad experience at McDonalds, and choosing to not pay for your food and leave, then going to Burger King and buying some food, then going back to McDonalds later with your BK reciept to ask them for a refund because McD's ticked you of earlier. That is just not logical. At all.

Lastly, I want to clarify your misinformation as to the training of us, the tax professionals of H&R Block. Yes, we are seasonal, but many of us work part time during the rest of the year in offices or teaching tax classes. To begin employment with H&R Block, you have to take a tax course that lasts 60 hours, which typically takes about 12 weeks to complete. Then there is some paid training time to get you familiar with their tax software.

To continue employment with them over the years, a minimum of 30 hours of tax education per year is required. We know what we are doing. You never set foot into a Block office, so please do not make assumptions

I have sent a certified letter to H & R Block (Letter of Demand) to their registered agent, CT Corporation in Kansas City Missouri. I reqeusted $1,000 in restitution:

Refund of TaxCut software ($24.95)
Refund for services paid to Jackson Hewitt ($260.28)
Postal Fee ($4.64)
Use of deceptive trade practices violation of USC Title 15, Chapter 2, Subchapter I, 45 ($710.13).

I received a reply today from Kristin N. Kratofil, Senior Corporate Counsel. The following was their reply:

"I am in receipt of your letter dated April 5, 2007 requesting $1000. We apligize that the customer service you received was less than satisfactory; however, we are unable to offer you more than we have offered, namely:

A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free TaxCut software next year, or
A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free use of the H&R Block professional services next year.

The online tax estimator merely calculates an estimation of an individual's tax liability based on the limited information input. The particular facts of an individual's tax situation, which can only be discovered through completion of a tax return, will affect the final tax calculation.

The above offer is still available at your request.

Sincerely,
Kristin N. Kratofil"

As usual, H&R Block wants to rip people off then try and get out the cheap way. Firstly, I don't want to use their "professional" service because they are NOT professionals. They hire seasonal people that are trained for maybe a month.

They still claim that it's only an "estimate." Well, the downfall to their defense is that I have very simple taxes. I only had two deductions: a dependent and because I paid long distance service taxes. The long distance service has nothing to do with their estimator claiming I was eligible for a $2,747 EIC (Earned Income Credit). I have screen shots of the summary from their website.

Now, if I input on their estimator that my dependent is 47 years old, how in the WORLD can their software consider that an EIC? EIC is for children only! This was not only on the IRS website, but I spoke with someone at the IRS about the deduction.

I will be filing a small claims suit against H&R Block in the morning. In addition, I am also filing this matter with the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

I have sent a certified letter to H & R Block (Letter of Demand) to their registered agent, CT Corporation in Kansas City Missouri. I reqeusted $1,000 in restitution:

Refund of TaxCut software ($24.95)
Refund for services paid to Jackson Hewitt ($260.28)
Postal Fee ($4.64)
Use of deceptive trade practices violation of USC Title 15, Chapter 2, Subchapter I, 45 ($710.13).

I received a reply today from Kristin N. Kratofil, Senior Corporate Counsel. The following was their reply:

"I am in receipt of your letter dated April 5, 2007 requesting $1000. We apligize that the customer service you received was less than satisfactory; however, we are unable to offer you more than we have offered, namely:

A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free TaxCut software next year, or
A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free use of the H&R Block professional services next year.

The online tax estimator merely calculates an estimation of an individual's tax liability based on the limited information input. The particular facts of an individual's tax situation, which can only be discovered through completion of a tax return, will affect the final tax calculation.

The above offer is still available at your request.

Sincerely,
Kristin N. Kratofil"

As usual, H&R Block wants to rip people off then try and get out the cheap way. Firstly, I don't want to use their "professional" service because they are NOT professionals. They hire seasonal people that are trained for maybe a month.

They still claim that it's only an "estimate." Well, the downfall to their defense is that I have very simple taxes. I only had two deductions: a dependent and because I paid long distance service taxes. The long distance service has nothing to do with their estimator claiming I was eligible for a $2,747 EIC (Earned Income Credit). I have screen shots of the summary from their website.

Now, if I input on their estimator that my dependent is 47 years old, how in the WORLD can their software consider that an EIC? EIC is for children only! This was not only on the IRS website, but I spoke with someone at the IRS about the deduction.

I will be filing a small claims suit against H&R Block in the morning. In addition, I am also filing this matter with the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

I have sent a certified letter to H & R Block (Letter of Demand) to their registered agent, CT Corporation in Kansas City Missouri. I reqeusted $1,000 in restitution:

Refund of TaxCut software ($24.95)
Refund for services paid to Jackson Hewitt ($260.28)
Postal Fee ($4.64)
Use of deceptive trade practices violation of USC Title 15, Chapter 2, Subchapter I, 45 ($710.13).

I received a reply today from Kristin N. Kratofil, Senior Corporate Counsel. The following was their reply:

"I am in receipt of your letter dated April 5, 2007 requesting $1000. We apligize that the customer service you received was less than satisfactory; however, we are unable to offer you more than we have offered, namely:

A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free TaxCut software next year, or
A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free use of the H&R Block professional services next year.

The online tax estimator merely calculates an estimation of an individual's tax liability based on the limited information input. The particular facts of an individual's tax situation, which can only be discovered through completion of a tax return, will affect the final tax calculation.

The above offer is still available at your request.

Sincerely,
Kristin N. Kratofil"

As usual, H&R Block wants to rip people off then try and get out the cheap way. Firstly, I don't want to use their "professional" service because they are NOT professionals. They hire seasonal people that are trained for maybe a month.

They still claim that it's only an "estimate." Well, the downfall to their defense is that I have very simple taxes. I only had two deductions: a dependent and because I paid long distance service taxes. The long distance service has nothing to do with their estimator claiming I was eligible for a $2,747 EIC (Earned Income Credit). I have screen shots of the summary from their website.

Now, if I input on their estimator that my dependent is 47 years old, how in the WORLD can their software consider that an EIC? EIC is for children only! This was not only on the IRS website, but I spoke with someone at the IRS about the deduction.

I will be filing a small claims suit against H&R Block in the morning. In addition, I am also filing this matter with the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

I have sent a certified letter to H & R Block (Letter of Demand) to their registered agent, CT Corporation in Kansas City Missouri. I reqeusted $1,000 in restitution:

Refund of TaxCut software ($24.95)
Refund for services paid to Jackson Hewitt ($260.28)
Postal Fee ($4.64)
Use of deceptive trade practices violation of USC Title 15, Chapter 2, Subchapter I, 45 ($710.13).

I received a reply today from Kristin N. Kratofil, Senior Corporate Counsel. The following was their reply:

"I am in receipt of your letter dated April 5, 2007 requesting $1000. We apligize that the customer service you received was less than satisfactory; however, we are unable to offer you more than we have offered, namely:

A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free TaxCut software next year, or
A refund of the TaxCut software purchase price and free use of the H&R Block professional services next year.

The online tax estimator merely calculates an estimation of an individual's tax liability based on the limited information input. The particular facts of an individual's tax situation, which can only be discovered through completion of a tax return, will affect the final tax calculation.

The above offer is still available at your request.

Sincerely,
Kristin N. Kratofil"

As usual, H&R Block wants to rip people off then try and get out the cheap way. Firstly, I don't want to use their "professional" service because they are NOT professionals. They hire seasonal people that are trained for maybe a month.

They still claim that it's only an "estimate." Well, the downfall to their defense is that I have very simple taxes. I only had two deductions: a dependent and because I paid long distance service taxes. The long distance service has nothing to do with their estimator claiming I was eligible for a $2,747 EIC (Earned Income Credit). I have screen shots of the summary from their website.

Now, if I input on their estimator that my dependent is 47 years old, how in the WORLD can their software consider that an EIC? EIC is for children only! This was not only on the IRS website, but I spoke with someone at the IRS about the deduction.

I will be filing a small claims suit against H&R Block in the morning. In addition, I am also filing this matter with the Missouri Attorney General's Office.

Nicholas, I really hope you read this!!!

Clearly, you have a computer and internet access, so assuming you still do NEXT YEAR, this is how I did my taxes.

I had an extremely unusual year in 2006 in terms of income, so when the first online website I used said I was getting both a federal and state refund, I DID NOT BELIEVE IT. Believe me, I fear the tax man, greatly, and no way could I accept that I could be getting ANY refund, and ***no way*** could I be getting a STATE refund. I used to live in another state for 13 years, and believe me, I usually owed, no matter how I tried to get my withholding adjusted during the year. In Alabama, yep, have owed!!

So, I went to the IRS website, and they had "recommended" tax preparation websites, so I decided to try another one, and get an ACCURATE result lololol.

Registering on the sites, and going through and doing all your tax stuff is free, at this time, anyway. No payment has ever been asked until I wanted to print out or e-file the taxes.

So went to the 2nd website, did my taxes all over again, same result.

This was still not acceptable. My mother died last year, and she was a federal tax auditor for over 25 years. If she was still alive, after the first results, I would've been right on the phone with her, but since I no longer have my own personal tax consultant, and have been burned on owing so many years, I just could not believe I was getting refunds.

So - I went to a third site lololol.

Same results.

In the end, I have received my federal direct deposit as of 3-30, and only e-filed in MID-March. Alabama seems to wait till all the people who owe taxes pay them, before they send out refunds, so that will come sometime!

I was able to e-file both federal and state for free, as on the 3rd site if your income is below $50-some thousand a year, you may be able to file for free. I was also eligbile for the Earned Income Credit (extremely bizarre and will likely never happen again, but it IS legitimate), and because of being EIC Eligible, that also counted towards free filing for me.

I also did my roommate's taxes for him yesterday, and this was kind of a mess because of needing to file returns in two states. I started out with the 3rd site that gave me the free returns, but that didn't work out for him.

So I ended up going to two MORE sites, this is now a minimum of five online tax prep sites that I have registered either myself or my roommate on, done our individual taxes, and haven't had to pay to file his OR mine.

As long as the tax prep sites let you do everything for free, till you are ready to file, well, that's how I will do taxes in the future.

It is my most sincere desire that this year, and all following years, will never require me to do my taxes multiple times due to disbelief, but I am so grateful I was able to check and re-check and re-re-check without having to pay money I definitely don't have, in order to do so.

Truthfully, had I not been 100% POSITIVE BEYOND ALL DOUBT that I owed taxes, I probably wouldn't have even bothered. Better to leave well enough alone, I would have thought. But once I found out the insane year of 2006 actually could help me out, well, what the heck.

I would be happy to name the sites I used, they were all good except for one that did require more tax knowledge, and was much less user-friendly than the others, but Ripoff Reports doesn't like posters to do that, so I won't.

I'm not out to rip off the tax sites, either, I truly am not. If it wasn't for my lack of tax knowledge, loss of my mother, and fear of owing taxes in spite of what the first site said, I wouldn't have used ALL THESE SITES. But really, I am just so grateful that I was able to.

I would have been happy to PAY, as well, but if I'm poor enough for the site to say "hey, you can do it free" - rather sucks. I wish I could pay.

Hope this helps someone.

About a week or so ago, I received a call from John Grigs (Not sure of spelling), Director of H and R Block customer support. I called Mr. Grigs on March 29, 2007. He had stated that Pat Thomson forwarded the matter to him. It appears that they did receive my certified letter.

Mr. Grigs did continually apologized for the problems I had not only with the software, but with their customer support. He stated that they were looking in to the matter of Gavin's rude attitude. In addition, it seems that Gavin was the reason that I never received a response after talking to him. Mr. Grigs stated that Gavin probably closed out the support request, setting it as resolved. He stated that Gavin might have done so for fear of others looking at the notes (or looking further in to the matter). After all, Gavin was very rude.

As I explained to Mr. Grigs, their online estimator states one thing and their software another. In addition, one of their customer service reps, David, stated that I could still do the EIC for my mother. The EIC feature allowed it. Now, that is either one of two things:

1.) The EIC was valid
2.) A bug in their software that did not check an age limit.

Since I had personally called the IRS and asked them about the EIC and the IRS stated EIC was children only, I went with the IRS.

The offer that Mr. Griggs gave was a refund on the software ($24.95) and free software next year. I was like, sorry, but no. To me, that was a cheap way of trying to get out of it. I had to pay a total of $260.28 to get my taxes professionally done plus for the TaxCut software (24.95), which totals to $285.23 out of my pocket. After all of that, they are offering me the equivalent of $49.90? They are really trying to get off cheap.

I told Mr. Grigs that was not an acceptable offer and reminded him once again how much money I had to put out. He then offered a refund on the software and free H & R Block tax service for next year's taxes. He said by offering me that service, that is about what I had to pay Jackon Hewitt. Well, I have very simple taxes. Jackson Hewitt came up with about the same amount as their software did. Therefore, why got to a professional service, pay $200+ when I can buy over-the-counter software for $25? Once again, it seems H and R Block wanted to take the cheap way out.

"How is it the cheap way?" some of you might ask? When I went to Jackson Hewitt, all the lady done was look at my W-2s, ask me about head of household, dependents and that's about it. Everything was mainly straight off of my W-2 forms. Therefore, it seems they are using very similar software. There's no "tax professional" looking over my taxes. The majority of the people at these places are trained in a 6-9 week course on how tax basics and how to use that company's software.

So, I clearly staeted that what I wanted was a refund for the software and a refund for what I had to pay. Mr. Grigs stated that they did not give refunds on third-party services (i.e. Jackson Hewitt). I requested that since he could not do that, then to please connect me with someone above him. He stated, "Technically, I do have authorization to give the refund, but I'm not going to. We don't refund on third-party services."

It was quite apparent now that since I didn't succumb to their stingy tactics that was all they were going to do. The individual I was talking to has the authority to resolve this matter out of court, but chose not to. This is even after he is well aware that I was going to file suit in local court against them.

I told him that since he was not willing ot properly resolve this matter, then I would be filing suit. He stated that he would turn the matter over to their legal department. I asked him if their legal department would be calling or whether I should simply file suit. He said that their legal department, once they receive the information, usually waits to see if a suit is filed.

In other words, as I see it, they rip people off, try to get out of it as cheap as possible (with no concern on how much money or time was wasted of their customer), and then if you threaten to sue, they rather try and call your bluff.

Well, bluff will be called. I called the local city court. It's only $54.50 to file a small claims suit. I will be at the court house bright and early to obtain the proper paper work.

Updates will be posted on the matter as they occur.

Funny how H&R Block always has some gimmick or sales pitch to "give you the largest refund possible", but when then don't many times, they never stand behind their promises.

I wouldn't trust H&R Block for anything!

Funny how H&R Block always has some gimmick or sales pitch to "give you the largest refund possible", but when then don't many times, they never stand behind their promises.

I wouldn't trust H&R Block for anything!

Funny how H&R Block always has some gimmick or sales pitch to "give you the largest refund possible", but when then don't many times, they never stand behind their promises.

I wouldn't trust H&R Block for anything!

Funny how H&R Block always has some gimmick or sales pitch to "give you the largest refund possible", but when then don't many times, they never stand behind their promises.

I wouldn't trust H&R Block for anything!

I called "Headquarters." I explained the situation (i.e. I received a call from HQ and I had sent a letter to the CEO). Well, it was like trying to pull teeth. No one knew anything. I ended up getting transferred to tech support. I spoke to an individual named Dave. He did seem like he was interested in the matter and wanted to help (unlike my experience with Gavin). I spent about 35 minutes or so on the phone with Dave.

He did figure that I could have claimed the EIC by going under the EIC. Even though the software wording stated "child dependants", I still could have entered my mother's information. It did not matter the age you put it. It still allowed the EIC to work. In the test case, Dave entered a person being born in 1935.

He gave me the information so that I could request a refund for the software as the previous tech support individuals (one via online chat and two via phone) could not find the answer. In addition, I had already filed my taxes since I waited for quite a long time and had yet to receive a response from tech support. Now, I just have to look around for my receipt. I never had a reason to save it. TaxCut no longer has a "refund" for purchasing special versions of the software. Hopefully I can find it.

Unfortunately, though, that does not help recoup my losses from the fees incured by having to file with another agency. Dave stated that there was no way for tech support to put me through to anyone near the CEO level. As the first tech (phone) had expalined, it seems as if H & R Block is run by "tax professionals" and "tech support."

I will wait a total of one month. If I have yet to receive a response from someone in the administrative level, then I will file suit. It will not look good for H & R Block that I waited almost a month for a reply from tech support and then waited an additional month after H & R Block received my certified letter and still never got a response.

Dave did state he would escalate my issue to a Tier II tech support (that's where Gavin said he was escalating mine to). I'm not sure what good that will do, however, they may have some connection I am unaware of.

According to the online tracking from the United States Postal Services, H & R Block World Headquarters has received my certified letter. I did notice a number on my caller ID towards the end of last week from Kansas City, MO. I searched the Internet and found it belongs to H & R Block World Headquarters. The odd part was that they did not leave a message on my answering machine.

It is now February 24, 2007. It has been over a month since I had initially contacted their tech support. In two days it will be a whole month since I spoke with Gavin and was told the matter would be escalated to a higher level individual. The fact that I have been waiting almost a month for a response as well as H & R Block World HQ did call but failed to leave a message shows the true colors of the company.

I will be calling the number today to see what is going on. Today I did file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau.

I will post updates as the matter progresses.