Not so free W2s from H&R Block
A short while ago, I posted a blog about a service from H&R Block that would allow many people to get their W2 forms early, for free, even before the employer sends it in the mail.
Well, not really. A spokesperson for the company now says this service doesn’t work the way it was described to me.
So, let’s straighten it out.
What’s correct:
You can get a look at your W2 form online at H&R Block if your employer participates in their program – and many large employers do. (Mine does not, so I was not able to check my W2 and relied on the information supplied by Block's spokespeople.)
From there, you can have it sent to an H&R Block office where you are supposed to be able to pick it up for free.
I was told, however, that you could download it or print it, for free, on your home computer. No trek to the H&R Block office needed.
Not so. The earlier description was inaccurate.
The spokesperson now says you can only download it if you are using H&R Block’s online tax software. And the free version of that software won't get you the W2. You must upgrade to the $14.95 version or pay more for premium versions.
So, letting you know.




Harriet Johnson Brackey, the personal finance columnist for the Sun Sentinel, is an award-winning business reporter. Her columns for 2008 were named "The Best in the Business," a national award chosen by her colleagues at the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.
Comments
Gee whiz.
Another bait and switch.
I hope you show no mercy to this company by promoting alternatives.
Posted by: Mark Wolfinger | January 27, 2010 12:11 PM
That is one crooked company. I've done my taxes there for years because I wanted the money quick and didn't mind paying some fees to do so.
Now, however, H&H Block is GOUGING! Last year I paid $243 to file federal and have an unfiled-state (printed copy given to me).
Then, they wanted $20 just to print a check with the refund. Otherwise, they furnish one an H&R Block debit card with the (rapid) refund cash.
Posted by: Ace Freedman | January 27, 2010 1:08 PM
I paid over $100 last year to have H&R Block prepare my daughter's taxes; this year I did her taxes online on Turbo Tax and it was FREE!! It's a great program and very easy for anyone. I'm really ashamed at H&R; they need to be regulated and cited for charging so much money when the economy is in dire straights; or better yet, close them down.
Posted by: DeeDee | January 27, 2010 2:24 PM
H&R is terrible. They always overcharge and don't always get you the largest legal refund. Three words...Maria's Income Tax...in Miami Gardens! Family business that really gets the job done correctly and for a VERY fair price.
Posted by: Joe Schmo | January 28, 2010 12:50 AM
As a CPA, I'm not that impressed with H&R's quality of work. I've corrected many of their returns. Many times they charge more than twice what I do for the same work. However, I disagree with DeeDee that they should be shut down. They charge what people are willing to pay. If you don't like the fee, go somewhere else. However, you can't expect everyone to cut their rates because the economy is bad. It is bad for all of us, and tax preparers can't cut their pay and still survive. Our costs, including program fees, go up every year. We still need to pay our bills.
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