A reader just passed along this letter from Bob Meighan at TurboTax that several folks have apparently already received:
Dear Valued Customer,
We want to provide you with the most up–to–date information about the tax rebate to which you may be entitled.
Recently, you may have received a letter from the IRS advising you when to expect your Economic Stimulus Payment (rebate). That IRS letter may have inadvertently left off some important information. Taxpayers who chose to have their tax preparation fees deducted from their federal tax refund will receive their tax rebate in the mail, not via direct deposit.
Our records show that you chose this payment option in TurboTax. As a result, the IRS has determined that you will receive your tax rebate in the mail. This may result in you receiving your rebate on a date later than expected.
This situation, while not unique to TurboTax, is understandably causing some concern and confusion. To help further clarify the situation, below is the most current IRS rebate payment processing schedule, as well as additional resources about the tax rebates.
I hope you find this information helpful. If you still have questions, the best source for the most up-to-date information is www.irs.gov (see the “Rebate Payment Questions” link).
Sincerely,
Bob Meighan
Vice President, TurboTax Customer Advocacy
I’m not surprised to see this level of response to angry customers concerning the timing of the rebate checks and opting to pay fees out of refunds. I’ve already posted that I believe class action lawsuits (though ridiculous in this case) will be forthcoming. Looks like TurboTax is trying to cut them off at the pass. TurboTax has also posted information about rebates on its website.
What do you think? Good enough?
I filed my own taxes so I didn’t have to pay a fee. I’m waiting somewhat impatiently for my rebate, realizing that the government doesn’t have to give me a dime back. So I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth. As for Turbo Tax, what good would a class action suit do? The only ones who will benefit if any will be the lawyers, who put us in this mess in the first place. Quit whining and just be glad the government is giving you a rebate at all.
I worked for a regional discount tax preparation service this season that handled RAL’s for customers. Believe it or not, many customers came back in wanting to get a RAL on the stimulus payment, so this sort of backlash doesn’t suprise me.
People need to understand that there are risks in any tax preparation product or service that they purchase — even one as well known as Turbo Tax.
Hmmm… Why is Tax Girl getting customer emails from TurboTax?
Does this mean I paid her outrageously high rates to do my tax returns… little did I know, she was sipping Pina Coladas by the pool while TurboTax was doing all the work.
I hope she at least sprung for the $49.95 edition.
i haved used turbotax the last five[5] years why did it deduct my last years rebate whichwas 300 instead of 1200, from my 08 tax return?