To save stress and work, one Calgary couple turned to a professional to file their taxes, but it only resulted in a big headache and an even bigger bill.
Ben and Chak Riya turned to H&R Block to file their taxes in 2014 and the couple was happy when the organization’s work resulted in a $9,100 tax refund.
At the time, the company prepared their tax returns separately because officials told them they weren’t common-law partners.
The Riyas spent the money on bills and other expenses but, in 2015, the Canada Revenue Agency contacted them and told them that their returns were wrong because they became common-law as soon as their son Kaleb was born.
Ben Riya says he thought H&R Block was the way to go because he didn’t even know where to start when filing taxes. He also doesn’t think he should have to cover the full costs of the firm’s mistake.
“I know nothing about taxes, so I wasn’t about to file them myself. Had I have filed them myself, then tell me it’s my responsibility to pay the mistake back. When I pay someone for a service and they make that mistake, I don’t feel I should have to pay it back.”
They’ve already contacted H&R Block and the company told them they would cover the costs of the penalty and interest for their mistake, along with tax preparation fees.
The Riyas, however, would have to settle the rest of their outstanding account with the CRA themselves.
A spokesperson for the company apologized for the error and said the return was filed with information provided by the Riyas.
They also said that H&R Block would continue to work to resolve the situation with the CRA.
The CRA says that they reserve the right to review and reassess returns for up to three years after they are filed.
