I joined National Audit Defense Network (NADN) about November, 1999, and have been pretty satisfied with them. A year later, a telemarketer from their sister company, "Tax Coach dba Tax Ready", called me.
I bought a package (via American Express) from Tax Ready: for $495, they would prepare my year 2000 return and give me "aggressive" tax planning that would save me $5000 in tax deductions. The salesman actually said he "guaranteed" it.
In February and March, I tried, unsuccessfully, to contact my tax preparer by e-mail and phone, to ask questions and give her my information.
In March, I used home computer software to figure out my tax return. Then I started asking for a refund since Tax Ready people don't return my phone calls and I didn't believe Tax Ready could save me enough money to be worthwhile. Their customer service people also didn't reply to many of my messages.
On Monday, 04/02, I spoke to a new tax preparer, Sabrina, who said she was starting to work on my return that day and could have it done by Thursday. But since I was asking for a refund, her boss told her not to do it.
A Tax Ready compliance officer, Jeff, called and I summarized my complaints. He made an offer: if they could not find enough additional tax deductions to save my cost of $495, he would return my money, and do my 2001 tax return for free. I accepted his offer.
On Thursday, 04/05, she told me my final total tax payment - $42 more than I figured myself. The next day, Jeff and Sabrina called me and after some discussion he said to expect my refund in three to five business days. They said they would NOT give me my tax return in this case. I printed my own copy and rushed to send it to the IRS myself.
On 04/19, there was still no change to my Amex bill. I submitted a dispute with the American Express website, last week they decided against me. I am waiting for a letter of explanation.
I've also sent a complaint to the Southern Nevada BBB, which Tax Ready answered with about 4 sentences.
On Thursday 05/03, I reached another customer service rep. He told me that management had decided NOT to refund my money because they have done so much work for me.
So they have used a Catch-22 on me - first, I would get my refund if I let them do the work; now, I won't get my refund because they did do the work.
To keep this brief, I left out the immense frustration I've gotten from all the times I called and someone said they would call back, and never did.
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