Dear Reader,
With the upcoming tax season, I would like to warn consumers not to do what I did. I filed my taxes at Jackson Hewitt at 21st and Oregon in 2007. I trusted them because they had all the signs that say relax, and let them take care of everything. They said they knew all the latest tax cuts. They even guaranteed their work.
Their Manager, Maurice Singleton did my taxes and told me I would get $1945 back from my 2006 return. I requested a paper check, no extra charge.
I called week after week to see when my return would come. Maurice just said, not here yet Ms. Keller each time I called. He told me that after 4/15 i could call back even then and that someone would be there to give out checks. I called back in May and finally got someone, who told me my return came back in March.
It turned out that Jackson Hewitts manager stole my check and put it in his payroll account. They fired him when they found out. I had to go to court two times missing two days from work. When I went to court, there were at least 3 others who had their checks stolen by Maurice Singleton, the Manager..
I fought and fought Jackson Hewitt for 3 months to get my refund check. I called everyone, IRS, BBB, Jackson Hewitt Corp Office, the Attorney General to no avail. Finally, 3 months later, Jackson Hewitt Corp Office told me to get my check from Bank of America. The check was for $3694 less $99 that Maurice added to get a rapid refund, without my approval. IRS rep on the telephone said they did everything right and I should get my check.
Later, IRS agents called me and told me that Maurice had added fraudelent things to my returns and I had to have my returns amended. I thought that Jackson Hewitt, which had me owing almost $4000.00. If my taxes were done correctly, I would have owed less than $100.00. The Jackson Hewitt agent who amended my taxes told me to do nothing and to leave my amended taxes with them. I thought they would take care of them with their "guarantee", since it was their manager's error.
In when I filed my 2007 returns, I got a letter from the IRS saying they were keeping my return because I owed them over $4000, including taxes and penalties from April 15th (when I never even had my check because it was stolen until August).
I have been on a payment arrangement, paying back the money, plus taxes and penalties, plus th $99. That their manager added for a rapid refund without my permission.
Jackson Hewitt does not responde to my calls, the BBB letters, and when I filed with the AG's office, they say the franchise owner I have to contact is in Tampa Florida, and he does not respond either.
Jackson Hewitt has not even apologized or attempted to reimburse me for the penalties interest or anything. The IRS and Jackson Hewitt staff tell me there are a number of people that their Manager has done this to, all having to have their taxes amended and all owing money. They say, Maurice just went crazy this year.
Can you feel my frustration? Can you at least get them to pay me back the taxes, penalties and the $99.00.
They probably won't return calls to you either though.
Anyway, at least please warn people that even though they think they are going to a reputable place to have their taxes done, don't put their trust in them. Read and ask questions. Unfortunately, if I knew what I was reading, I would do my taxes myself.
Thank you,
C Kel
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