Tl;Dr you would be far better served hiring a reputable CPA, or doing your taxes via an online…read moreservice. If your taxes are too complicated for you to do on your own, you may find your assigned rep is just as confused as you are. Given this location's fee structure, inconsistent quality of service, and poor time management I think any other tax-filing option would be a better use of your time, money, and trust.
On March 29, 2022 I was assigned to meet with Beverly, an associate at this location, to complete my taxes. My case is fairly unique to Florida, as I needed to pay state tax and federal taxes, so I wanted to make sure I met with someone in-person to review any questions they may have had. Unfortunately when I arrived, I had to wait an additional 20 minutes past my meeting time before I was informed that she was "so far behind today" I would need to drop the documents off and simply pay later in the week when they were completed. Scheduling an in-person consultation specifically because of my unique situation was an important reason I chose H&R Block over an online service, so this was disapponting, but I proceeded regardless. After a week of hearing nothing, I received an email from Wilmarie on April 6, 2022 with some questions. Around 6 PM that day I received another email where I was informed that my taxes were complete, and that all I would need to do is swing by the office as soon as possible to pay my fee.
When I arrived at the office at 6:15, I was informed that I would actually need to consult with Wilmarie prior to submitting a payment, as I needed to provide my bank information for an electronic deposit of my tax refund. I told her that I did not need an e-deposit, and had already provided my information to receive a refund check in my email correspondence with Wilmarie. When I advised the receptionist that I received an email from Wilmarie stating that my taxes were complete and that all I needed was to pay, she told me there was "nothing she could do" and that I would need to wait for Wilmarie's session to be completed. She said the session just started, and that I would need to wait "a while". The receptionist did not offer me a time slot to return or any other information on how long it may take for my issue to be resolved. I had visited this location on three prior ocassions, twice on March 29 and once again on April 5 and I was disappointed at the difference in service quality between visits. This receptionist rolled her eyes, maintained a hostile tone, and seemed actively annoyed with my questions. When I asked if there was anything that could be done to resolve my issue (I was more than willing to pay then and return later), she once again reiterated that there simply was nothing to be done.
With no other options available to me, I informed her that I would like my documents returned to me so I may use another service to complete my taxes this year. At that point she said "wow, seriously?" In a deriding tone and walked back to the office. A moment later she returned and said I would still need to wait to conduct a consultation with "her boss" before my documents can be returned to me. After further inquiry and more commentary I interpreted as hostile, she ultimately did return them to me and I was able to go about my way several minutes later.
To be clear, I don't know this person's situation, and I am fully empathethic that (if it is a new position) problems like this can arise beyond her contorl. That said, the hostile and condescending responses to what I thought were resonible inquiries left a really bad impression on me. Condescending me for expressing disinterest in proceeding with a service that cannot be completed in a forseeably reasonable time is, in my opinion, unprofessional and unbecoming. I am not under the impression associates receive commission at this office, let alone administrative staff, so the personal insult at the prospect of me choosing not to proceed blindsided me and left a really bad taste in my mouth. I had just provided this receptionist with my name and my social security number (which was apparently necessary to look up my information, a major security concern in an open office with other clients within earshot) and she had access to numerous pieces of identifying information contained in my tax forms. If Block employees act unprofessionally towards customers in my case, how can we be sure they act any more professionally regarding information security?
Overall, this was a wholly disappointing experience, and I am glad that I was ultimately able to retrieve my tax docs to find another service or CPA. Please avoid working with this office; their expertise is wildly inconsistent relative to simply doing it online, their fees are high relative to most other options, and the potential for rude and unprofessional service renders any advantage of in-person consulting wholly moot.