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In this report
- Introduction{4 mentions}
- H&R Block{1 mention}{1 mention}
- Other Tax Preparation Chains{11 mentions}
- Refund-Anticipation Loans{5 mentions}
- Useful Links
- Our Sources
Tax Preparation Services: Ratings of Sources
Total of 16 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Tax Preparers Out of Compliance: Mystery Shopper Testing Exposes Violations of Refund Anticipation Loan Laws in Arkansas, New York and North Carolina
by National Consumer Law Center
by National Consumer Law Center
Our AssessmentThis report gives the results of a 2010 investigation by "mystery shoppers" who worked with the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) and local advocacy groups in New York, North Carolina and Arkansas. They were investigating paid tax preparers' compliance with state laws regulating refund-anticipation loans (RALs). As the title of the report makes clear, numerous paid preparers were out of compliance with the laws in their states. The investigation also found, however, that some paid tax preparers in all three locations "provided poor quality services or encouraged tax fraud" in preparing tax returns.
Is That Tax Preparer Really Qualified?
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Our AssessmentIn this article, ConsumerReports.org discusses the findings of a group of "mystery shoppers" who visited storefront tax-preparation services in Philadelphia and Durham, N.C., as part of an investigation by the National Consumer Law Center. They were investigating how these services handled refund-anticipation loans (RALs), but in the process discovered that some employees of storefront tax services were not able to fill out simple tax forms. The article also includes advice on what to ask a prospective tax preparer and which storefront tax preparers are most likely to do the best job.
10 Things Tax Preparers Won't Tell You
by Janet Paskin
by Janet Paskin
Our AssessmentThis article looks at all sorts of tax-preparation services, but Janet Paskin can't resist taking swipes at H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt, whose preparers, she says, are often under-qualified and make frequent errors. She also criticizes these firms' nontax products (like H&R Block's "Express IRA") and unnecessary audit insurance.
Looking for a Tax Pro?
by Stephanie AuWerter
by Stephanie AuWerter
Our AssessmentThis article about the different types of paid tax preparers is worth a look if you're wondering what your options are and which type would best suit your needs. It discusses CPAs, tax attorneys, enrolled agents and other options. The author also provides a list of questions to ask a prospective tax preparer before you decide to go with him or her.
Some Tax Pros Get it Wrong
by Andrea Coombes
by Andrea Coombes
Our AssessmentThis article reports the results of a study by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, who sent 28 people to file tax returns at 12 commercial chains and 16 independent contractors. Not only did fees vary wildly, but 17 of the 28 returns were added up improperly (albeit usually to the taxpayers' advantage). Commenting on the results, spokespeople for H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt say they agree with the report's recommendation of a uniform licensing procedure for tax preparers (sources claim these chains use many unlicensed preparers during peak season).
Finding a Reputable Tax Preparer
by Editors of BetterBusinessBureau.org
by Editors of BetterBusinessBureau.org
Our AssessmentThis helpful article gives advice on how to determine whether a prospective tax preparer is qualified and reputable. It also tells you what to steer clear of; for example, a tax preparer who tells you to claim deductions you may not really qualify for or one who bases his or her fee on the size of your refund.
Taxes, Three Ways
by Jennifer Pellet
by Jennifer Pellet
Our AssessmentNew York Magazine asks a young, married professional couple to prepare their taxes three different ways: using TurboTax, an H&R Block franchise location and a high-priced accountant. H&R Block costs $395 for two and a half hours and yields a $2,442 refund. TurboTax costs $114 and nets a refund of about the same amount. And the high-priced firm winds up costing $1,000, but snags a refund of $3,620. The main complaints about H&R Block: lack of privacy and a "rushed" feeling.
Should I Use H&R Block?
by William Perez
by William Perez
Our AssessmentIn this brief article, William Perez, the tax planning guide for About.com, discusses whether you should use H&R Block or one of the other chain tax-preparation services, or go to a private accountant. The price would be about the same in either case, he says. Storefront tax services are more convenient -- you can just walk in without scheduling an appointment -- and may be able to complete your return more quickly. (Some accountants schedule appointments a year in advance.) However, an accountant wants to build an ongoing relationship with you and may spend more time with you and explain things more clearly. A certified accountant also has a credible level of expertise. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Five Steps to Hiring a Tax Pro
by Cameron Huddleston
by Cameron Huddleston
Our AssessmentThis is another article about how to find the best tax preparer, given your situation. It takes you through the process of identifying and interviewing people, and even discusses how to handle your session with the tax preparer.
Tax Preparation Prices and Fees
by William Perez
by William Perez
Our AssessmentAbout.com's tax planning guide discusses how prices and fees for preparing a tax return are determined. In his own research he found that different firms use different methods: some charge a set amount per tax form or schedule, some an hourly rate, some according to the complexity of the tax situation, etc. It's important to know how a preparer sets the price and what it includes, before you begin. Perez also reports on the average fees charged by tax-preparation services as well as by tax accountants. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Extended Guarantees Give a False Sense of Security
by William Perez
by William Perez
Our AssessmentWilliam Perez, About.com's guide to tax planning, discusses the extended audit guarantees offered by some tax-preparation services. He advises against buying H&R Block's Peace of Mind or Jackson Hewitt's Gold audit guarantees, saying they're only appropriate for very complicated returns. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Should the IRS Kill VITA Altogether?
by Kelly Phillips Erb
by Kelly Phillips Erb
Our AssessmentKelly Phillips Erb, who blogs as Tax Girl, discusses controversy with some VITA volunteer preparers (who are no longer part of the program), but adds that on the whole, the VITA program is a valuable service. She notes that many of the volunteers are professionals, including lawyers, tax preparers and accountants.
Final Report on Tax Refund Loans Released
by Editors of Consumer-Action.org
by Editors of Consumer-Action.org
Our AssessmentThis Consumer-Action.org article conveys the essentials of a joint report by the National Consumer Law Center and the Consumer Federation of America study on refund-anticipation loans (RALs) of the kind offered by Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax Service. The loans are described as having exorbitant interest rates and preying on lower-income tax filers.
Traditional Tax Preparation
by Contributors to Epinions.com
by Contributors to Epinions.com
Our AssessmentA small selection of storefront tax-preparation services and full-service accounting firms are listed here. Jackson Hewett and, particularly, H&R Block get enough feedback to be useful, with the latter drawing more than 185 user reviews. Reviews don't paint an especially flattering picture of storefront tax preparers -- those posted most recently (some reports date back to 2000) are especially unflattering. High fees, incompetent preparers and poor customer service are frequently noted complaints. Some customer feedback is positive, however.
Worst Tax Product Ever: The Refund Anticipation Loan Credit Card
by Meg Marco
by Meg Marco
Our AssessmentIn this amusing post, Meg Marco bemoans refund anticipation loan credit cards and prepaid debit cards (loaded with hidden fees) that filers with H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt can use to spend their refunds right away. She notes that H&R Block charges users a $1 fee just to check the balance on their debit cards. This post is also interesting for the appended (mostly negative) comments from consumers and tax experts.
Jackson Hewitt
by Contributors to ConsumerAffairs.com
by Contributors to ConsumerAffairs.com
Our AssessmentA number of disgruntled customers post comments here about their dissatisfaction with Jackson Hewitt, citing numerous filing errors, poor customer service and misrepresentation of refund-anticipation loans. The most recent posts are about people's experiences during the 2010 tax season. To be fair, this site solicits negative reviews, and other tax services receive similar complaints.
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