H&R Block was reported to the Deceptive Design Tip Line over its Free File tax option. According to the report, the reporter believed they had been directed to the Free File option and completed the entire process of entering information for their federal return, only to be told they would have to upgrade to a deluxe option costing $55 in order to add a form needed to reconcile a premium tax credit received for health insurance premiums. The report adds that the reporter was unable to continue filing without paying, and had to start again on a separate Free File website that allowed them to complete and submit the additional form at no charge.
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H&R Block: Misleading Free File tax option
“I thought I had been directed to the Free File tax option for their website. I went through the entire process of filling out information for my federal return only to be told that I would have to ‘upgrade’ to their deluxe option at a cost of $55 in order to also add a form that is necessary to submit in order to reconcile my premium tax credit received for my health insurance premiums. I was unable to continue with my filing without paying and was left to start over on a separate Free File website that allowed me to fill out and submit the additional form at no charge.”
Disclaimer: examples in the Hall of Shame are generally drawn from public submissions and cited sources; they have not been independently verified and may contain inaccuracies. They are presented as illustrations of design patterns, not findings of fact, unlawful conduct, or intent.