H&R Block Woes Delay 600k Tax Returns

People notably upset

A filing error by America's biggest tax preparation firm, H&R Block, could delay about 600,000 returns for up to six weeks. Many of them are for students who need the tax receipt to apply for financial aid. Tax prep customers are upset. "They could have sent out a mass email to all of their clients letting us know … that they have a problem and the money is not there," says H&R Block customer Angelo Adams in Raleigh, N.C.

The IRS revealed the snafu, saying it involves form 8863, which must be filed to qualify for the student tax credit. Angry posts have been made on the H&R Block Facebook Page. One client wrote, "I just can't believe that nobody said anything. I have been a loyal customer of H&R Block for years. That is going to change. Many of us count on that money."

H&R Block confirmed that for some customers its software did not complete the form, but the firm has not apologized to its customers. A company statement says, "H&R Block has confirmed with the IRS that there was an issue with a limited number of software company products that affected some tax returns filed between Feb. 14 and 22, 2013. These affected returns included certain education tax credits claimed on Form 8863. H&R Block has worked with the IRS to expedite a solution to this issue for our affected clients."