H&R Block

This review is for the specific service I received from Amanda Savo. I was skeptical about going to H&R block, because you don’t necessarily feel that they are on your side, and not all tax preparers are that great. But I needed someone for a sanity check this year. When making the appointment, I was put through to the Arizona call center. I asked them for the best the office had to offer, and to be sure to give me someone with top experience. Well they did. The moment I walked in the door and met Amanda I could tell she knew her stuff. While she was getting my taxes started she was advising one of the other tax reps on the tax codes and reimbursement rates for commercial truck driver mileage. Talk about knowing her stuff!
Bottom line, Amanda found some significant tax deductions that the Turbo Tax software didn’t ask for. Ding Ding Freaking Ding! By the end my tax bill was shaved down and I got confirmation from both IRS and State that my returns had been accepted within a couple of hours of walking out of the office. I won’t lie, the service isn’t cheap (I paid $ 350) but it was worth it. Amanda also gave me some tips for the solar installation I was considering for this year. Totally pleasant experience.
And here is the biggest tip. Sometimes the office and call center messes up because her real name is Susan Amada Savo but she goes by Amanda. Ask for either Amanda or Susan Savo and you should strike gold.

A few years ago, I went to another popular tax place (in Temecula) and they messed up my taxes so bad that I would have lost $ 2500 of my refund. I had Laurie at the Escondido H&R block take a second look, and she noticed it (I didn’t know for sure, but had a feeling something was off). She also told me about an education credit that I didn’t get the year before that. She amended that one, and it gave me almost $ 2000 MORE! That’s $ 4500 she found for me that other places missed. I now only go to Laurie, and I’ll never go anywhere else. Thank you Laurie. You’ll never know how much that extra money helped.

Every one is super polite and courteous.

Here is why I give this place 5-​stars.
1) Politeness/​Courteousness — The staff was polite and courteous. Although they weren’t the most knowledgeable on things such as how much you get taxed upon withdrawal for your Roth IRA, they did, nevertheless, take the time to explain all of my questions without rushing me to completion.
2) Expediency — Since everything is automated and done online at the facility, my online refund is expected to take approximately 8 – 15 days to hit my bank. The ease and expediency of having everything done right then and there is a definitely plus.
3) Price point — the pricing is, in my opinion, a bit high, but it’s fine for the things I had to get done.
This place is open year-​round and has tax preparers available every day. Setting up and appointment is easy, but you might be scheduled a week or two out in advance. Don’t expect to get an appointment the same day.