Did my GF get ripped off by Liberty (tax return service)?

imported_elwood

Senior member
Jun 6, 2004
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My Girlfriend always had her taxes done by one of her relatives, but after last year, with the person taking way too long to do them, she decided to have them done professionally.

She went to Liberty taxes (or whatever they're called) inside walmart.

First off, she said that they couldn't give her an estimate on how much it would cost to do her taxes (red flag!!), which i think is bull!

Anyway, she didn't have a complicated return, the only thing she had was a few stocks that she sold a while back so that was about the only extra information they had to enter. No deductions or anything else like that.

She's getting around $800 back and they ended up charging her $150!

I have a friend that went to H&R block and did the 1-2day return loan on $8000 and they charged him $140. He has kids, mortgage, 401k, pension plan, etc etc..

I think they charged her way too much and she didn't know how much it was supposed to be because, like i said, she never had them done professionally before.

I'm going this afternoon and challenging them on their "100% satisfaction guaranteed or we'll refund your cost".

Do you think they charged her too much?


EDIT: forgot to say that she did the e-file with direct deposit (2-3 weeks)
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
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81
what did she think it would be? $150 for something she wanted done NOW and did not know how to do is fine.


oh and the 100% satisfaction is if they screw up. not because you dislike how much they charged.

if she didn't like that they didn't give her a answere on how much it cost before then she shouldnt have stayed. the only person to blame is your GF.
 

slsmnaz

Diamond Member
Mar 13, 2005
4,016
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They have to pay for the people dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam on the street corner some how don't they? Advertising ain't cheap!
 

imported_elwood

Senior member
Jun 6, 2004
828
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Originally posted by: waggy
what did she think it would be? $150 for something she wanted done NOW and did not know how to do is fine.


oh and the 100% satisfaction is if they screw up. not because you dislike how much they charged.

if she didn't like that they didn't give her a answere on how much it cost before then she shouldnt have stayed. the only person to blame is your GF.

It's "Satisfaction guaranteed", i'm not satisfied, and neither is she after she found out that out of the 5 people that we know that filed their taxes already, they all had theirs done 1-2day loan return and getting back $2000-$7500, that their costs ranged from $60-$140.


 

giantpinkbunnyhead

Diamond Member
Dec 7, 2005
3,251
1
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What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: waggy
what did she think it would be? $150 for something she wanted done NOW and did not know how to do is fine.


oh and the 100% satisfaction is if they screw up. not because you dislike how much they charged.

if she didn't like that they didn't give her a answere on how much it cost before then she shouldnt have stayed. the only person to blame is your GF.

It's "Satisfaction guaranteed", i'm not satisfied, and neither is she after she found out that out of the 5 people that we know that filed their taxes already, they all had theirs done 1-2day loan return and getting back $2000-$7500, that their costs ranged from $60-$140.

so?

did they do the tax's right? is she getting audited? just because you do not like the price does not matter. you were not forced to use them.

 

imported_elwood

Senior member
Jun 6, 2004
828
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0
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?
 

allisolm

Elite Member
Administrator
Jan 2, 2001
25,255
4,861
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Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: waggy
what did she think it would be? $150 for something she wanted done NOW and did not know how to do is fine.


oh and the 100% satisfaction is if they screw up. not because you dislike how much they charged.

if she didn't like that they didn't give her a answere on how much it cost before then she shouldnt have stayed. the only person to blame is your GF.

It's "Satisfaction guaranteed", i'm not satisfied, and neither is she after she found out that out of the 5 people that we know that filed their taxes already, they all had theirs done 1-2day loan return and getting back $2000-$7500, that their costs ranged from $60-$140.
She should have checked into what everybody else paid BEFORE she had her taxes done, not after. 100% her fault and a lesson that cost her maybe $50.

 

Queasy

Moderator<br>Console Gaming
Aug 24, 2001
31,796
2
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Originally posted by: j00fek
should have done them online for free, save the $

Yep. If her taxes weren't complicated, why didn't she do them herself?

Though, this is really a lesson in just how ridiculously overly complicated our tax system is when even a "non-complicated" tax return scares people into getting other people to do their taxes for them.
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
4,125
0
0
Well most people are stupid for giving the government an interest free loan for 12 months! And the advance loans are one step above pay day loans...not worth it. You are getting your money back....everyone thinks that the governments "giving" them money!

Anyways...TaxCut cost $20 to $60, and your GF is not smart for going to Wally World to get her taxes done
 

ChaoZ

Diamond Member
Apr 5, 2000
8,906
1
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Originally posted by: Jawo
Well most people are stupid for giving the government an interest free loan for 12 months! And the advance loans are one step above pay day loans...not worth it. You are getting your money back....everyone thinks that the governments "giving" them money!

Anyways...TaxCut cost $20 to $60, and your GF is not smart for going to Wally World to get her taxes done

So we're all stupid because we don't have any choice?
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: ChaoZ
Originally posted by: Jawo
Well most people are stupid for giving the government an interest free loan for 12 months! And the advance loans are one step above pay day loans...not worth it. You are getting your money back....everyone thinks that the governments "giving" them money!

Anyways...TaxCut cost $20 to $60, and your GF is not smart for going to Wally World to get her taxes done

So we're all stupid because we don't have any choice?

unless you are very low income you do have a choice.
 

imported_elwood

Senior member
Jun 6, 2004
828
0
0
Originally posted by: Paratus
Used to get ours done by a professional accountant. She cost 100.........

Yeah, one friend had theirs done at a CPA, got their check within 24hrs, it was $60.
 

GuitarDaddy

Lifer
Nov 9, 2004
11,465
1
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Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,564
969
126
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

Yep, and those refund loans are a rip off. Anyone who falls for those scams is a fool.

If you are getting $8k back then you are withholding too much. I'm sure Uncle Sam appreciates the use of your money interest free for the entire year though.
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
4,125
0
0
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

Yep, and those refund loans are a rip off. Anyone who falls for those scams is a fool.

If you are getting $8k back then you are withholding too much. I'm sure Uncle Sam appreciates the use of your money interest free for the entire year though.

Thats what I was trying to say above. You need to take more deductions. (Thanks waggy!)
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: Jawo
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

Yep, and those refund loans are a rip off. Anyone who falls for those scams is a fool.

If you are getting $8k back then you are withholding too much. I'm sure Uncle Sam appreciates the use of your money interest free for the entire year though.

Thats what I was trying to say above. You need to take fewer deductions. I only take one fed and one state when the recommend two+.


don't you have it wrong? wouldn't you want more deductions (so they take less each check) then having i tas only 1 where they take more out?


edit: darn computer is freaking out. sigh i need a new comp.
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
4,125
0
0
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: ChaoZ
Originally posted by: Jawo
Well most people are stupid for giving the government an interest free loan for 12 months! And the advance loans are one step above pay day loans...not worth it. You are getting your money back....everyone thinks that the governments "giving" them money!

Anyways...TaxCut cost $20 to $60, and your GF is not smart for going to Wally World to get her taxes done

So we're all stupid because we don't have any choice?

unless you are very low income you do have a choice.

You do have a choice. Don't withhold that much; the tax forms are confusing since they want an interest free loan. I usually end up owing money, which I don't care, since I got to use the money throughout the year!
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: Jawo
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

Yep, and those refund loans are a rip off. Anyone who falls for those scams is a fool.

If you are getting $8k back then you are withholding too much. I'm sure Uncle Sam appreciates the use of your money interest free for the entire year though.

Thats what I was trying to say above. You need to take fewer deductions. I only take one fed and one state when the recommend two+.


don't you have it wrong? wouldn't you want more deductions (so they take less each check) then having i tas only 1 where they take more out?


edit: darn computer is freaking out. sigh i need a new comp.

The more deductions you claim (say 4 vs 0), the less they hold back each paycheck.

If you file 0, you probably have money coming back. If you file 4, you might end up owing money.
 

Jawo

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2005
4,125
0
0
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: Jawo
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

Yep, and those refund loans are a rip off. Anyone who falls for those scams is a fool.

If you are getting $8k back then you are withholding too much. I'm sure Uncle Sam appreciates the use of your money interest free for the entire year though.

Thats what I was trying to say above. You need to take fewer deductions. I only take one fed and one state when the recommend two+.


don't you have it wrong? wouldn't you want more deductions (so they take less each check) then having i tas only 1 where they take more out?


edit: darn computer is freaking out. sigh i need a new comp.

yea...take out more. my fault, I'm telling ya, its confusing!
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: vi_edit
Originally posted by: waggy
Originally posted by: Jawo
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy
Originally posted by: elwood
Originally posted by: giantpinkbunnyhead
What does the amount of other people's refunds have to do with anything? Every case is different. You can't hold them accountable because you didn't also get 2000-7500 dollars back. In any case, $150, while steep, isn't outrageous for tax prep fees.

When doing the 1-2day loan, do they not charge according to how much you're getting back because of the loan?


The amount of the refund should have no impact on the cost to prepare the return. There may be an intrest charge on the loan or something.

Most tax places charge based on the type of return and how many attachments(extra forms) ie.. 1040A=$60 1040=$100 + $10 per page for attached forms

$150 sounds about right for your GF's return, because the stock transactions would require filing a 1040 plus some extra forms

Yep, and those refund loans are a rip off. Anyone who falls for those scams is a fool.

If you are getting $8k back then you are withholding too much. I'm sure Uncle Sam appreciates the use of your money interest free for the entire year though.

Thats what I was trying to say above. You need to take fewer deductions. I only take one fed and one state when the recommend two+.


don't you have it wrong? wouldn't you want more deductions (so they take less each check) then having i tas only 1 where they take more out?


edit: darn computer is freaking out. sigh i need a new comp.

The more deductions you claim (say 4 vs 0), the less they hold back each paycheck.

If you file 0, you probably have money coming back. If you file 4, you might end up owing money.


yes. but the idea is to get say $200 back in a fed return and not $6000. so woldnt you want more (but not to many) deductions?

If you have it at 1 you are going to get a huge return. wich is kinda silly