How can I figure out if H&R Block messed up on my taxes?

Question

I have barely any of my tax forms.. is there anyway I can get copys from them? I had a couple jobs, and I qualified for EITC, but I owe this year and I was seeing if that was done wrong.

Answer 1

You should definetly take it somewhere else. They hire people and put them through a fast course to do taxes. Most of their employees are not tax professionals. I have a friend who is a waitress that is taking the course now. She has absolutely no tax experience.

Also, I have had my taxes done wrong by them and when I brought it to their attention they did fix it but they charged me for them to fix it and then only refunded half of what I originally paid even though they claim they refund all of your fees if they make a mistake. Next time just go to a real accountant.

Answer 2

You can get copies from the IRS for $39, or can get a transcript, which gives you the same info but in a different format, printed from a computer, at no charge.

Is it possible that you made enough more money this year, or that something else changed, so you aren't eligible for EITC this year?

I'd suggest as a first step going back to H&R and asking to have someone else go over the return and explaining why you owed. If you see what the problem is, point that out to them.

If you think you know where the problem is you could also post more detail here, including what you think is wrong, and someone might be able to help you out.

Answer 3

Gee Serge, what's the knocking of the IRS?

"There have been tests done by having IRS agents prepare tax returns for a hypothetical taxpayer with complex transactions. Each agent came up with a differnt amount of tax due"

While I've never heard of that particular test (the IRS taxpayer assistance centers only do simply returns for free because they are required by Congress to *not* compete with private industry), Money magazine regularly runs a contest open to paid tax professionals to complete a sophisticated married, kids, itemized, oddball stuff return and they never get a "perfect" or even consisten answers either.

If the poster qualified for EITC, their return wasn't all that complicated!

Answer 4

You can hire another service to do the same computation, or you can read the IRS instructions and prepare your own tax return to compare with H&R. You can also buy tax preparation software and follow the directions. Frankly, the extra expense and time is not worth the effort.

There have been tests done by having IRS agents prepare tax returns for a hypothetical taxpayer with complex transactions. Each agent came up with a differnt amount of tax due. The tax laws are so convoluted, interpreting them is virtually impossible. In most situations of wage earners, however, the computation is straight forward, so what H&R Block gave you is probably correct.

Answer 5

You have a copy of your tax return in the packet H&R Block gave you when they completed the return. Your information documents are stapled in the packet behind the tax return. If you aren't sure about the return, go back to Block and have them explain the return. Ask them to compare the previous year to this year. That's the quickest way to spot a change - a change which may be correct or incorrect.

Year round service on the return they prepared for you is part of what you pay for the return.

Answer 6

You can always take your taxes back to H & R Block for what they call a "second look". If H & R Block made a mistake then they will correct it free of charge and this includes paying any fines, penalties and interest. That is a standard guareentee on every return that H & R completes. Ask for a different preparer and they should go over your return and explain everything to you.

Answer 7

go back to the same location and have them double check you return for FREE and get a copy of your tax return. If they messed up they should do an amended for free, if it was on your part then you will have to pay for. As for the eitc, it caps out on income and other factors.

Answer 8

A professional tax prep place will want to correct errors. Errors occur, and it is possible that your return was not done correctly. Perhaps the preparer did not process the return for EITC.

I recommend going back to the place that did your return and expressing your doubts that the return is correct. Talk to the manager, and ask that one of their experienced people review the return. If there was an omission, they will see it and correct it.

Answer 9

If H&R Block did you tax returns, then must give you a copy of your tax return e-filed by them. If H&R Block does not give you a copy, you can always contact IRS.

It is always better to go through your tax return. Atleast you will learn a few basics about the tax returns.

You can also get transcripts of your tax return from IRS. Normally, for most of the requirements your purpose is served if you ask IRS for Transcripts instead of your tax return. You can order a transcript by calling 1-800-829-1040, or using Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return. There is no fee for a transcript. Transcripts have most of the information from your tax return including information from W2, 1099.