Comments on Rafael Grillo's articles RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/author/rafael-grillo/articles http://seekingalpha.com/article/96684-progressive-s-clever-marketing-strategy?source=feed#comment-659183 659183 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:53:34 -0400
John White
bookwormlab.com/colleg...]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-503779 503779 Thu, 14 May 2009 12:12:32 -0400
MacMillan writes in a research note that the downgrade reflects new data that suggests the company will see a second consecutive year of declining ASPs in its consumer tax business - as well as unit share losses to its biggest competitor, H&R Block."
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-416431 416431 Where was the Bad news? > > Intuit (http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/intu): FQ2 EPS of $0.34 beats > by $0.07. Revenue of $791M vs. $796M. Sees FQ3 EPS of $1.57-1.68 > vs. $1.67, and full-year EPS of $1.78-1.89 vs. $2.03. Shares +6.2% > ]]> Fri, 06 Mar 2009 15:28:01 -0500

On Feb 20 07:29 AM Paul Price wrote:

> Where was the Bad news?
>
> Intuit (seekingalpha.com/symbo...): FQ2 EPS of $0.34 beats
> by $0.07. Revenue of $791M vs. $796M. Sees FQ3 EPS of $1.57-1.68
> vs. $1.67, and full-year EPS of $1.78-1.89 vs. $2.03. Shares +6.2%
> ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-396186 396186 Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:29:14 -0500
Intuit (INTU): FQ2 EPS of $0.34 beats by $0.07. Revenue of $791M vs. $796M. Sees FQ3 EPS of $1.57-1.68 vs. $1.67, and full-year EPS of $1.78-1.89 vs. $2.03. Shares +6.2%
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-392812 392812 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:17:26 -0500
As far as the "people" that H&R Block have, my sister had to use them last year when she hired an accountant to do her taxes first. He made mistakes and manufactured figures (creative accounting not authorized by her), to the point that she took her CPA-produced form to Block. They continued the process of making mistakes, and my sister had to literally stand over the preparer's shoulder and tell her what to enter into her own software. After several cycles of this, she was really at her wits end, but thinks she ultimately got an error free form to submit. I don't fully trust anyone to do my taxes except myself, although I would go to an accountant for questions of interpretation. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-386522 386522 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:35:44 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-384756 384756 I'm not sure why you would say "not that many people care about e-filing" > as I believe the IRS has reported that over 60% of filings were electronic. > That number is only going to go up... > > lot's of assertions, not numbers.]]> Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:05:27 -0500
On Feb 02 03:39 PM kylesch wrote:

> I'm not sure why you would say "not that many people care about e-filing"
> as I believe the IRS has reported that over 60% of filings were electronic.
> That number is only going to go up...
>
> lot's of assertions, not numbers.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-378922 378922 It doesn't appear you have any figures to back up your assertions > of lost market share for Intuit. > > Where are you getting the data your article refers to? > ]]> Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:57:35 -0500
Mr. Meighan: I commend your involvement in the multiple forums I've visited to assess the competitive situation in the tax software business I am addressing in this article. Indeed, you listened to your customers and you corrected many of the issues they raised. But my article is not challenging the Turbo Tax benefits that you enumerate in your comments. That is for the consumers to judge. My conclusion is that the magnitude of the negative reaction -perhaps exaggerated, but absolutely real- from your customers to the attempted changes in the Turbo Tax 2009 model, along with the aggressive marketing of Tax Cut, will erode Turbo Tax's franchise in a significant way. Time will tell whether my estimation was accurate, but from the investment perspective, my point is this is a risk to be seriously taken into consideration.

On Feb 02 10:59 AM Paul Price wrote:

> It doesn't appear you have any figures to back up your assertions
> of lost market share for Intuit.
>
> Where are you getting the data your article refers to?
> ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-378483 378483 > I won't pretend to know anything about Intuit's product but, with > H&R Block, "the people" are all us folks who work for Block in > any capacity. Our mission is to be your tax and financial partner. > If you have a question, we will do our best to answer it for you; > online, over the phone, and even if you stop in an office. If you > are audited you have access to people who specialize in representation > before the IRS: the Worry-free audit support feature. > > Any questions about H&R Block try 1-800-HRBLOCK, and if you need > help with a tax question, you can reach me at my office at 410-674-4752. > If I don't know the answer, I will find someone who does. Just ask > for Stephanie.]]> Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:37:44 -0500

On Feb 06 01:31 AM Stephanie T. wrote:

>
> I won't pretend to know anything about Intuit's product but, with
> H&R Block, "the people" are all us folks who work for Block in
> any capacity. Our mission is to be your tax and financial partner.
> If you have a question, we will do our best to answer it for you;
> online, over the phone, and even if you stop in an office. If you
> are audited you have access to people who specialize in representation
> before the IRS: the Worry-free audit support feature.
>
> Any questions about H&R Block try 1-800-HRBLOCK, and if you need
> help with a tax question, you can reach me at my office at 410-674-4752.
> If I don't know the answer, I will find someone who does. Just ask
> for Stephanie.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-378175 378175 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:47:00 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-377896 377896 As concerned stockholders, we’d like Intuit and H&R to respond > to disconcerting information pertaining to “you’ve got people”. Information > has it that the same outsourcing company is supporting both Intuit > and H&R Block products. Do we have the “same people” supporting > competing products?]]> Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:31:37 -0500 I won't pretend to know anything about Intuit's product but, with H&R Block, "the people" are all us folks who work for Block in any capacity. Our mission is to be your tax and financial partner. If you have a question, we will do our best to answer it for you; online, over the phone, and even if you stop in an office. If you are audited you have access to people who specialize in representation before the IRS: the Worry-free audit support feature.

Any questions about H&R Block try 1-800-HRBLOCK, and if you need help with a tax question, you can reach me at my office at 410-674-4752. If I don't know the answer, I will find someone who does. Just ask for Stephanie.


On Feb 03 08:36 AM Maharta wrote:

> As concerned stockholders, we’d like Intuit and H&R to respond
> to disconcerting information pertaining to “you’ve got people”. Information
> has it that the same outsourcing company is supporting both Intuit
> and H&R Block products. Do we have the “same people” supporting
> competing products?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-377870 377870 Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:37:38 -0500
Last year I received a free copy of Tax cut and was impressed how much easier the interface was and the more streamlined interview process. That year, my father asked me if he could load a copy on his computer and when i went to his house I saw he had already loaded Turbo Tax.

I saw that he loaded it imprperly and after i corrected the installation i was very disappointed at how cumbersome it has become and was glad that i was using Tax cut.

This weekend I went to my local retailer and bought this year's version of Tax Cut. I particularly liked the 5 free federal Efiles and the cost advantage definetly belonged to Tax Cut.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-377311 377311 TurboTax has a definite problem handling multiple state W-2s with > the same income (it is doubling the income) this is a software issue. > H&R Block on the other hand has seasoned "people" that can appropriate > tax to either state correctly thus averting the whole issue. TurboTax > has created a mess with the income duplication, not only in border > state competition but also in the fiasco of amended returns. Oh by > the way...good luck speaking to someone human to try to resolve this.....it > definetely is a box. (TT admitted the issue, but no patch exists..how > about a refund for the software and additional state downloads) ? > ]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:21:37 -0500
And BTW, if you decide you want to have a "live" person prepare your taxes from H&R Block next tax season instead of doing it yourself, the previous year's TaxCut return is downloadable (thus saving lots of preparation time).

PLUS H&R Block stands behind every return through their standard guarantee -- that is, they will pay additional interest and penalties assessed by the IRS if the mistake was caused by HRB. Who else does that? -- not Turbo Tax or any other Retail accounting firm that I know of.


On Feb 05 12:15 PM Matt Kolo wrote:

> TurboTax has a definite problem handling multiple state W-2s with
> the same income (it is doubling the income) this is a software issue.
> H&R Block on the other hand has seasoned "people" that can appropriate
> tax to either state correctly thus averting the whole issue. TurboTax
> has created a mess with the income duplication, not only in border
> state competition but also in the fiasco of amended returns. Oh by
> the way...good luck speaking to someone human to try to resolve this.....it
> definetely is a box. (TT admitted the issue, but no patch exists..how
> about a refund for the software and additional state downloads) ?
> ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-377305 377305 As concerned stockholders, we’d like Intuit and H&R to respond > to disconcerting information pertaining to “you’ve got people”. Information > has it that the same outsourcing company is supporting both Intuit > and H&R Block products. Do we have the “same people” supporting > competing products?]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:18:31 -0500

On Feb 03 08:36 AM Maharta wrote:

> As concerned stockholders, we’d like Intuit and H&R to respond
> to disconcerting information pertaining to “you’ve got people”. Information
> has it that the same outsourcing company is supporting both Intuit
> and H&R Block products. Do we have the “same people” supporting
> competing products?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-377106 377106 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:15:50 -0500 ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-377031 377031 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:36:36 -0500 I must admit that for few years, the Interview with Turbo Tax was way more superior than others but that is no longer the case.
The ease of use and support with Tax Cut is amazing this year. It is very easy and simple to use and actually beats Turbo Tax.
For example, I had to use Dependent Child Care this year and Turbo Tax refused to let me E-File stating that IRS is now allowing E filing for 2440 due to that fact that Depdent Care is being forfeited.
Tax Cut allowed the efling and everything is ok.
Also, Tax Act for simple returns is superior in providing information to its users.

If I must pick, I'd go with Tax Cut as you can always find someone to help you and support all year long. Worst case, you can go to an HR Block office and they can help.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-376608 376608 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:29:28 -0500
Is it true, in 2005, TurboTax incorrectly calculated the Child Tax Credit to all of TurboTax's clients?

And consequently, did Turbo Tax have to take out a full page ad in the newspaper to disclose this mistake that cost thousands of clients to lose their valuable tax credit?

Is April 15th, 2009 the last day to file an ammended return to recapture the Child Tax Credit TurboTax missed?

How can someone visit a TurboTax office and file an ammended tax return with TurboTax?

Can you file a ammended tax return online with TurboTax? Does the IRS accept ammended returns electronically. No?

Bob, please address these questions before you spout more false guarantees. We understand it is your job and position to defend TurboTax, but address the mistake on TurboTax's part and stop portraying the company as a solution for every body.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-376339 376339 Rafael... I appreciate your perspective on the tax business. > > While "you've got people" has a nice ring to it, TurboTax's objective > is to create such an easy to use, yet robust software solution that > you don't need people. Our interview has been top rated for decades > and this Q&A format is what empowers our customers to be confident > their return is complete and accurate. We also have people in the > unlikely event you need help, but our design philosophy is not built > around creating a solution that embraces human intervention. > > By the way, only about 25% of our customers will pay more this year. > The vast majority of our customers already electronically file, so > they will actually see a price decrease. Those who have not used > e-file in the past will pay more and they did voice their opinions > loudly. We listened to them and made significant changes (in early > Dec) to address their concerns. Intuit has a history of listening > and responding to its customers, and this is one example. > > In these times when every dollar counts, consumers are continuing > to select TurboTax in larger numbers because it is the best solution > for most taxpayers and it's where we guarantee they'll get the biggest > refund. Whether your return is simple or complex, TurboTax has a > solution for you and at a price that fits everyone-- from free on > up. And when it comes to purchasing TurboTax, retail price competition > is sure to provide TurboTax customers with a price likely to be less > expensive than previous years. > > Bob Meighan > VP, TurboTax]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:31:23 -0500 Also, i dont really like the idea that Turbo Tax is charging clients to e-file, comeon, have u looked at the economy, not a good time to raise prices. Not only that, H&R Block has offices around my house and it is much easier to get in contact with them when i have questions.


On Feb 02 01:31 PM Bob Meighan wrote:

> Rafael... I appreciate your perspective on the tax business.
>
> While "you've got people" has a nice ring to it, TurboTax's objective
> is to create such an easy to use, yet robust software solution that
> you don't need people. Our interview has been top rated for decades
> and this Q&A format is what empowers our customers to be confident
> their return is complete and accurate. We also have people in the
> unlikely event you need help, but our design philosophy is not built
> around creating a solution that embraces human intervention.
>
> By the way, only about 25% of our customers will pay more this year.
> The vast majority of our customers already electronically file, so
> they will actually see a price decrease. Those who have not used
> e-file in the past will pay more and they did voice their opinions
> loudly. We listened to them and made significant changes (in early
> Dec) to address their concerns. Intuit has a history of listening
> and responding to its customers, and this is one example.
>
> In these times when every dollar counts, consumers are continuing
> to select TurboTax in larger numbers because it is the best solution
> for most taxpayers and it's where we guarantee they'll get the biggest
> refund. Whether your return is simple or complex, TurboTax has a
> solution for you and at a price that fits everyone-- from free on
> up. And when it comes to purchasing TurboTax, retail price competition
> is sure to provide TurboTax customers with a price likely to be less
> expensive than previous years.
>
> Bob Meighan
> VP, TurboTax]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-376337 376337 As a turbo tax user I was distresse by what they did. So, after 2 > years I went back to tax cut. What a mistake that was. I could not > install the software myself. Then using a supervisor to help me I > still could not get the software installed. > > I decided to return it except the address on the website was incorrect > and then when I called I received another wrong address. So, today > I send it back for the third time. > > So, turbo tax is more expensive but it works. Tax cut doesn't work, > is not as good as Turbo tax and they work hard to make sure they > don't have to stand behind their guarantee of returning your money. > > > I will never use tax cut again.]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:24:03 -0500

On Feb 02 02:35 PM Mark Perlin wrote:

> As a turbo tax user I was distresse by what they did. So, after 2
> years I went back to tax cut. What a mistake that was. I could not
> install the software myself. Then using a supervisor to help me I
> still could not get the software installed.
>
> I decided to return it except the address on the website was incorrect
> and then when I called I received another wrong address. So, today
> I send it back for the third time.
>
> So, turbo tax is more expensive but it works. Tax cut doesn't work,
> is not as good as Turbo tax and they work hard to make sure they
> don't have to stand behind their guarantee of returning your money.
>
>
> I will never use tax cut again.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-375976 375976 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:49:45 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-375870 375870 Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:43:06 -0500 I haven't done my tax yet. I have used Turbo Tax for 4 years and it may be time for a change.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-375702 375702 Rafael... I appreciate your perspective on the tax business. > > While "you've got people" has a nice ring to it, TurboTax's objective > is to create such an easy to use, yet robust software solution that > you don't need people. Our interview has been top rated for decades > and this Q&A format is what empowers our customers to be confident > their return is complete and accurate. We also have people in the > unlikely event you need help, but our design philosophy is not built > around creating a solution that embraces human intervention. > > By the way, only about 25% of our customers will pay more this year. > The vast majority of our customers already electronically file, so > they will actually see a price decrease. Those who have not used > e-file in the past will pay more and they did voice their opinions > loudly. We listened to them and made significant changes (in early > Dec) to address their concerns. Intuit has a history of listening > and responding to its customers, and this is one example. > > In these times when every dollar counts, consumers are continuing > to select TurboTax in larger numbers because it is the best solution > for most taxpayers and it's where we guarantee they'll get the biggest > refund. Whether your return is simple or complex, TurboTax has a > solution for you and at a price that fits everyone-- from free on > up. And when it comes to purchasing TurboTax, retail price competition > is sure to provide TurboTax customers with a price likely to be less > expensive than previous years. > > Bob Meighan > VP, TurboTax]]> Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:10:00 -0500
I can honestly say I and now and will be a TaxCut user. If you have used TurboTax in the past, try TaxCut like I did. You will be so glad you made the switch.

On Feb 02 01:31 PM Bob Meighan wrote:

> Rafael... I appreciate your perspective on the tax business.
>
> While "you've got people" has a nice ring to it, TurboTax's objective
> is to create such an easy to use, yet robust software solution that
> you don't need people. Our interview has been top rated for decades
> and this Q&A format is what empowers our customers to be confident
> their return is complete and accurate. We also have people in the
> unlikely event you need help, but our design philosophy is not built
> around creating a solution that embraces human intervention.
>
> By the way, only about 25% of our customers will pay more this year.
> The vast majority of our customers already electronically file, so
> they will actually see a price decrease. Those who have not used
> e-file in the past will pay more and they did voice their opinions
> loudly. We listened to them and made significant changes (in early
> Dec) to address their concerns. Intuit has a history of listening
> and responding to its customers, and this is one example.
>
> In these times when every dollar counts, consumers are continuing
> to select TurboTax in larger numbers because it is the best solution
> for most taxpayers and it's where we guarantee they'll get the biggest
> refund. Whether your return is simple or complex, TurboTax has a
> solution for you and at a price that fits everyone-- from free on
> up. And when it comes to purchasing TurboTax, retail price competition
> is sure to provide TurboTax customers with a price likely to be less
> expensive than previous years.
>
> Bob Meighan
> VP, TurboTax]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-374784 374784 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:00:06 -0500
I got my state refund in three days (by paper check).

But I still am hashing out the IRS details four days later. Hoo boy.

But I like it more than Turbo Tax, which I tried out last year. But because there were changes in the state tax that were not in the Turbo Tax program (I receive death benefits which are now tax free as of last year) it's just better for me to work it out, since I'm more of a tax freak anyway.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-374225 374225 Tue, 03 Feb 2009 08:36:47 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-374039 374039 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:31:49 -0500
I'm frustrated enough to try Tax Cut. I wonder how many others feel the same way.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-373925 373925 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:38:17 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-373719 373719 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:39:02 -0500
lot's of assertions, not numbers.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-373647 373647 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:35:32 -0500
I decided to return it except the address on the website was incorrect and then when I called I received another wrong address. So, today I send it back for the third time.

So, turbo tax is more expensive but it works. Tax cut doesn't work, is not as good as Turbo tax and they work hard to make sure they don't have to stand behind their guarantee of returning your money.

I will never use tax cut again.
]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-373552 373552 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:31:18 -0500
While "you've got people" has a nice ring to it, TurboTax's objective is to create such an easy to use, yet robust software solution that you don't need people. Our interview has been top rated for decades and this Q&A format is what empowers our customers to be confident their return is complete and accurate. We also have people in the unlikely event you need help, but our design philosophy is not built around creating a solution that embraces human intervention.

By the way, only about 25% of our customers will pay more this year. The vast majority of our customers already electronically file, so they will actually see a price decrease. Those who have not used e-file in the past will pay more and they did voice their opinions loudly. We listened to them and made significant changes (in early Dec) to address their concerns. Intuit has a history of listening and responding to its customers, and this is one example.

In these times when every dollar counts, consumers are continuing to select TurboTax in larger numbers because it is the best solution for most taxpayers and it's where we guarantee they'll get the biggest refund. Whether your return is simple or complex, TurboTax has a solution for you and at a price that fits everyone-- from free on up. And when it comes to purchasing TurboTax, retail price competition is sure to provide TurboTax customers with a price likely to be less expensive than previous years.

Bob Meighan
VP, TurboTax]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/117846-intuit-screws-up-and-h-r-block-will-profit?source=feed#comment-373329 373329 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:59:10 -0500
Where are you getting the data your article refers to?

]]>