H&R Block

Horrible.
Apr 9th, 2024

Mar 17th, 2024

Mar 17th, 2024

I received a corrected 2021 1099-R form from my retirement account provider (Roth and traditional IRAs) in 2024. Since it related to an event in 2021 which affected 2020/2021 tax returns, I wanted to consult someone with tax knowledge to be more confident in amending my returns (also the retirement account provider was providing reimbursement). I told this to the employee on the phone, of course, but it didn't seem to make sense why I would want to visit one of their "tax experts." Since I was going to be reimbursed for expenses, I was less concerned about cost than getting the process completed. The person on the phone didn't know about tax details, but seemed confident that their "tax experts" understand tax regulations and could at least consult and answer questions. The next available appointment was 8 days away, that was good enough for me to get some validated answers from a "tax expert." A few days later, another employee (it seemed to be different and perhaps someone who actually does the tax consultations/preparations) called me and asked again why I wanted the appointment and what I needed from them. They tried to explain their services for a possible federal return amendment may be $300-$400. I reiterated that I am being reimbursed and mainly want to ask some questions, but am also interested in paying you to complete my amendments (since it is not out of my own pocket and is already a huge inconvenience). Then they said the brief 30-45 minute consultation meeting would be $99. I thought that was perfect, since that is what I originally requested. Then they call me (today, 2/17/24) the day before the appointment and suggest that they are unable to answer tax questions because I have not previously used H&R Block to file taxes. I kept proclaiming that I really wanted to ask some questions to someone who works with taxes. "Don't you have someone who understands tax law?" I asked. "Of course we do," she said, "but different companies fill our taxes differently." Hmm...so, hopefully the companies are filing out at least the taxable lines/forms the same, since the government expects the same amount, regardless of who does the calculations/works. Now, if she is saying some companies like hers aren't so great at deductions or credits and therein lies the discrepancy, cheers to her advertisement of her company's deficiencies. But I, once again, told her that I was being reimbursed and was willing to take my chances. Alas, apparently they only want new customers, with new, regular income tax handling, that they can do however they want, regardless if they are different form other tax prepares or done in a way that matches the requirements of the law. If you're reading this, maybe you would have to really contemplate if talking to them (this H&R Block location on Salem Rd in Rochester MN 55902) is a good/ok idea. **edit: I'm pretty sure plenty of these 5 star reviews are fake/created by friends/etc. or people who have no idea if their taxes are done correctly since they never have been or never will be questioned about it.
Feb 18th, 2024

Feb 16th, 2024