Did you get your $25 gift card from H&R Block yet?

April 28, 2013

One of the biggest frustrations this tax filing season was the processing delay of around 600,000 returns because of improperly completed education tax
credit claims on Form 8863.

Although the Internal Revenue Service didn't provide any details on where the returns in question came from, many of the problematic forms were prepared by H&R
Block.

The Kansas City-based tax preparer didn't get specific either, but it acknowledged the error in its blog. Bill Cobb, the company's CEO and president, soon thereafter issued an online apology to customers.


H-R-Block_Emerald_MasterCardNow the tax preparation giant is saying it's sorry with cash. OK, with plastic. Close enough.

Last week, Block sent affected customers facing delayed tax refunds a $25 prepaid debit card. According to the company's statement:

"H&R Block appreciates that the issue involving the filing of Form
8863 this past tax season may have frustrated and inconvenienced
impacted clients.

H&R
Block recently sent those clients who had their tax returns prepared
and filed in company-owned locations its sincerest apologies and a $25
Emerald Card gift card to account for any processing delay and express
thanks for their patience in this matter."

The statement reiterated the company's position that the refund problems are from processing the forms, not from any actions by Block personnel.


In addition to being a financial mea culpa, the gift card amount is also this week's By the Numbers figure.

Some still unhappy: Based on comments posted at the Facebook page started by frustrated H&R Block customers, as well as at Block's page, some customers have received the gift cards.

But not all are mollified: "H&R Block is giving a $25 gift card for people that are affected by
the screw up. Wow $25. I paid $350 for them to file my taxes."

The company also is still facing lawsuits in connection with the filing snafu. In addition to seeking refunded filing fees, the plaintiffs also want compensation for
their losses incurred because they had to wait for their federal tax refunds.

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Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

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Comments
  • Katie C.
    13 years ago

    We haven’t received any kind of compensation from H&R Block for the delay in our tax refund. But even if we do… We won’t be using them ever again.

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