KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Instant Tax Service

Three similar complaints against the same tax service.

The business says it has processed over 300 returns.  So three complaints is not a big deal.

But there may be more.  And you may learn a few things to help you pick a tax preparer.

Nobody likes to admit when they think they have been duped. That is why this woman would prefer you not know who she is.

But her complaint is similar to several we have heard against Instant Tax Service on south University.

"The estimate was $3,000 that I was gonna get back and the fees were $325," says our complaintant.

"Judy" says her actual refund was $700 and her actual fees were $600.

The other complaints are the same…instant tax service over-promised on the refund and under-estimated on the fees.

Jacob, the local franchise owner, did not want to do an on-camera interview but says all his customers sign a document that clearly lays out his fees…which in addition to the tax prep fee includes a corporation fee and a bank fee.

"The owner says you signed some paperwork that laid out what these fees would be. Is that true?"

"I signed some papers…but they told me one thing and they did another. And I trusted him," says our unhappy tax payer.

Judy says she has learned a lesson that she will apply next year and you may apply this year.

"I would just like to say…be careful. Be careful and read what you sign," says "Judy."

Instant Tax Service is based in Ohio and customers there and in other states have filed similar complaints…including having their taxes filed without authorization.

Air date:  February 17^th, 2012