I am going to start today's blog with a rant. I have been a faithful user of TaxCut since 1997; but I have been having sore experience with their rebate system. I have not received my well-deserved rebate from H&R Block, the makers of TaxCut, in the last 3 years because somehow, in the eyes of H&R Block, I managed to screw up my rebate application every time.
What a contradiction, when it comes to advertising their mail-in rebate, H&R Block didn't hesitate a bit to print the words, "Mail-in Rebate" in large boldface to entice your attention to buy the most expensive version of their software. However, when it comes to the rebate filing process, that's a whole different story. Not only was the rebate coupon buried in a stack of other similar sized coupons, the printed instructions for filing the rebate were vague and in fine print. Worse, I have just received a letter from H&R Block informing me that I didn't follow the instructions and so my rebate application was disqualified. Well, they say "three times a charm" or "three strikes and you out". Based on this, TaxCut is certainly out. I am switching over to TurboTax when I do my tax return next year.
In closing, let me offer a food for thought. If a company is serious about passing the savings to its customers, why not offer us an instant rebate?