I've used H&R Block for about 15 years to file my taxes. Each year I paid the extra money for the assurance they offered that if ever I had an issue with the IRS, they would come to my defense.
About a year ago here came the IRS, claiming I had over-reported the amount of interest we paid on one of our mortgages. I believe the interest came to about 14k and I sent in the correct forms from the lender to show that when we filed. Problem was, in the middle of the year in dispute we had refinanced. Now, my wife is from China, and on the first loan had her resident ID number, and when we refinanced, she used her newly issued Social Security number. Uncle Sam only wants to recognize the interest credited to the loan with the social security number on it, and not the loan and interest paid prior to that under the resident ID number. They are ignoring $11,000 in interest paid.
I've asked H&R for help for over one year, and the most they did for me was have me gather all of the needed documentation from the bank, write a letter of explanation, and they mailed it for me. Those are your people! Now the fines have climbed to over $4,000 and I can't get H&R to do much of anything, so I've had to hire a retired IRS auditor to help me. The IRS didn't even respond to the letter we sent, so I'm doubtful they ever actually sent it.
Needless to say I will never use them again, and I doubt many agents do use them. I just know there are people out there seeing these commercials touting "You've Got People!" and I'm here to tell you, you may have people, but there not at H&R Block.
Not to knock any tax prep firm, but I've known my accountant and lawyer for over 15 years. Those are my peeps.
Good information to remember...Sorry to hear whats happening...Thanks for the tip!
~Christina
I've hired an accountant this year. I've never once in my life had any issue with the IRS until now, and it's very annoying. They're actually claiming I paid under $4,000 in interest for an entire year on over 350k in debt. It's absurd. H&R makes a bundle each year charging extra fee's for the "You've got People" farce, and it's wrong. They do nothing when you have trouble.
Now that my new accountant is going through prior years taxes, it appears I've been over paying for years using those idiots.
Oh Michael!
I think you should tell the guy on television Herb Weisbaum at: consumerman@fisherradio.com he is always looking out for people, safety and their money.
Update: After hiring a real CPA I managed to clear-up the confusion with the IRS and show them that I owed nothing. In fact, we re-filed 05 taxes and showed they owed me $900.00. Now I've got People!