In the April 18, 2014 Williston Times was printed my article “Pitfalls lurk in ‘free’ tax prep websites.” It was the official New York State website that I used as instructed: http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/ I was promised that I would be able to download the software with which to prepare and e-file my tax returns (fed and state).
As I stated in the article, I followed all of the instructions carefully but never was presented the means to download any software. What ultimately came up was a box to click that said ‘file now.’ I had every reason to believe that the promised software would at that time be presented. Instead, what appeared was ‘Thank you for choosing H&R Block’ and ‘Sponsored by Walmart.’; Most definitely an advertisement.
Maybe that is how they do it, I thought. My federal return got prepared and e-filed. Then, to do the New York State return I was informed that the preparation would be $29.99 plus sales tax. As I stated in so many words, I had to get the taxes finished and went ahead with it.
I mentioned that I considered it was an injustice and that I had been defrauded. The day after the article was published, I received a voice mail from Donna at New York State Tax that went on to say “… you ran into some. umm…you had some confusion…” She went on (in my own words) that she did some research and had some information to help me out.
I called Donna at the number she provided (1-518-591-5489). In short, she instructed me to call Mimi Noland at H&R Block (1-816-854-4733) who reversed the charge to my credit card.
I wonder what prompted the response from New York State Tax.
Was it the article published the day before in which I pretty much said the whole kit and caboodle are part and parcel to what is going on. I certainly had no confusion and there definitely was no access to the software on that official website. I guess I can assume the Block company heads are also involved.
I also informed Donna that I was deprived of the experience of using the software myself but there is always next year. I will see how it goes then.
I consider it fair to inform any readers who have had a similar experience that Donna seems to be the person to contact.
Charles Samek
Mineola
