Discussions

Do H&R Block agents get a commission or something for signing people up for cash back? It seems last year my agent was really pushing to sign me up for it. I’m trying to get the most out of my return and might just get them to exile it and wait for a cheque

Turbo Tax is free and super easy! You can pay extra if you wish to be super cautious. If you are signed up for direct deposit with Services Canada, they claim you will receive your return in about 8 business days.  
 
I used to use H&R Block until I realized how much money I was throwing in the garbage

I took their income tax course 10 years ago. Its very thorough with all the tax laws. Unless the course changed since I took it, everything was done by calculator, paper and pen then just before the exam, you learn to use their program. While I passed the course, I just missed passing enough to get hired by them.  
 
As other said, if you have an easy return (just t4's, donations, medical expenses and rent receipt), its cheaper and easier just getting Turbo Tax. Worse comes to worse, go to a friends or relatives place who has a computer and has turbo tax. It doesn't take very long to put in the numbers where they belong and net file.

Woz said "Do H&R Block agents get a commission or something for signing people up for cash back? It seems last year my agent was really pushing to sign me up for it. I’m trying to get the most out of my return and might just get them to exile it and wait for a cheque "

They are known as tax discounters. Basically, if you pay them to file your income tax, you pay a fee for filing. You can opt to have the refund sent directly to you, and so no other fees should apply.  
 
However, if you elect for "cash back", they keep a portion of your refund. Part of that is because they assume a degree of risk - they are essentially loaning you money, and keeping your refund to repay the loan. It's similar to payday loans in that you're getting a short-term loan at high interest.  
 
 
You can read more about tax discounters at https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services-individuals/efile-individuals/discounter-information-individuals.html

Until this year.. I did my own taxes through Simple Tax just to see and I ended up just filing myself. It was free.  
 
I always thought HnR got me the best money back, apparently they don't, I found things through this system I didn't even know I could claim. No one ever asked me anything like that at H n R. In fact the last two years my "tax person" barely spoke English. Last year the lady had ZERO idea what she was doing . I asked her about my tuition credits and she had no clue what I meant :/. Even the other tax preparer's were getting upset with her for asking for help with EVERYTHING. I can do better myself. Last year cost me over 300.00 for cashback to get my money now and to have my taxes done by a "professional". This year I gave my head a shake and realized how stupid I was being lol