Training provided to H&R Block's Tax Professionals (term used loosely) is either lacking or their history as said professional is not fully looked in to.

I had the unfortunate experience of dealing with H&R Block recently to complete my 2007 taxes.  The reason in choosing them instead of doing them myself like previous years was the fact that this year I was married and had a step-son.  I wanted all of this to go smoothly so that I could learn from this and take care of this myself in the future.

I took my paperwork down to the local office and explained to the woman that I would like to file Married - Separate.  She asked why and I explained that my wife has had some difficulty with previous returns and that it's probably a good idea to not include her in mine until this is situated.  She began to talk me out of it, explaining that, previous years didn't matter... we're focusing on 2007, so the previous problems didn't matter.  This did seem a bit odd to me, but, she's the "Tax Professional" - isn't she?  We filed all of the necessary paperwork and after it was agreed how the $360 ($10.00 when I do it myself) fee was to be paid, I left, happy with the return that was promised.

The next day we received a phone call from H&R Block telling us that our eFile had been rejected and to contact the IRS immediately.  After finding the number,  we called to be informed that due to some problems with my wife's tax return in 2001, the IRS would have to keep the full refund amount... UNLESS, I return to H&R Block immediately and file an Injured Spouse form, which is to keep my portion of the return safe, while still surrending my wife and step-son's portions.  This is what I was trying to accomplish by filing separately, but what do I know?

Turns out when you eFile and then mail a form in, it delays your refund 45 days.  That money sure would have been nice when we needed it AND when we were told we'd get it.

So, thanks a bunch H&R Block, 759 S. Main St. location in Fond du Lac, WI