Liberty Tax Service

I was looking for someone to guide me through the tax experience, as I was a complete newbie. I heard this place was known for its attentive customer service and decided to trust them with my time. Bad idea.
The moment I walked in, I got looks from the employees but not a single, «Hello, how can I help you?» A man came out from the back cubicle, looked at me and still didn’t say anything. Apparently he was too busy eating his snack-​sized bag of Cheetos than asking if I’ve been helped. I later learned he was some kind of manager or owner.
I should have just walked out at that point, but I decided to stick around and fill out the forms they had in the front. I finished them, and kept starring at the manager until he finally dusted off his Cheeto-​stained fingers and apologized for the wait.
The woman I worked with was nice, but a little frazzled. Maybe she was new? The paperwork didn’t take long but I didn’t really get the information I was looking for. And I kept getting asked the same questions I had already answered in the form. What’s the point of filling it out if they’re not going to read through it? I did get my $ 50 that same day, so hurray.
Went back weeks later to pick up my refund check and was asked to sign a bunch of documents because they forgot to ask for my signature on my first visit. The lack of attention to details such as forgetting to have me sign documents and having the manager walk around eating chips is a little unprofessional for me.
I appreciate the help, but I wasn’t wowed enough to return again next year.

I used to file my taxes on my own through turbo-​tax… never again! From the moment I entered the shop, I was impressed with the service. I didn’t have to wait, I was greeted immediately, and within 30 minutes I was out the door. This place made filing super easy and organized, through their help I was able to deduct things I never thought possible. Don’t waste your time doing them yourself, its not worth it! Come to these guys. Great customer service.

I’ve been going to the same tax preparer for the last 5 years, but he’s been having health issues and been difficult to get a hold of lately. Anyway, I had to ask for an extension during tax time in April because I’m such a procrastinator! So now it’s October and I have to file my 2010 taxes. My previous tax guy never returned my calls or emails for the last 2 weeks. So, I frantically went searching for a new one near my work. I decided to try Liberty Tax Service. I called this one because it had a good review and it was close to work. I spoke to John and told him my situation. He sounded very pleasant and was able to see me on the same day… of course, on the last day to file taxes!
I felt bad that I was late for my appointment and John had gone to lunch because I didn’t show up. The owner (Reggie) called up John and he said he was on his way back to the office. Reggie got me started with paperwork in the meantime. John was back before I finished filling out the intake form.
John was great. He did my tax return pretty quickly. It helped make his job easier because all of my paperwork was neat and organized. I knew back in April that I owed big on taxes (for the first time in my life), so I wasn’t surprised when he told me the total. However, John was able to find more deductions and brought the amount down a couple thousand dollars. (it would have been a lot more if my last employer didn’t screw up on my CA witholdings!). Anyway, John even gave me a nice discount on the service fee because I filed on the last day :)
He told me about their free tax preparer class and also the $ 20 they give away for each referral.
Overall, it was a nice experience with John at Liberty Tax Service. The place is clean with a relaxed atmosphere.

After a summer’s worth of soul searching and researching possible new career options, I finally decided on becoming a certified tax preparer. But after doing some research and calling up a couple of places, it seemed that I was a little late on trying to get certified in time for the upcoming tax season! Dang it… So I considered online tax preparation classes, but the prices were high and I didn’t think I could really keep myself motivated enough to study on my own.
Luckily, I happened upon the Liberty Tax Service website and saw that they offer tax preparation classes in classroom settings! I took a chance and did some further investigating, hoping that they might still offer classes… And they did! They had several office locations listed that teach tax preparation classes, and this Chula Vista location had a class offered just in time for me to start in a couple of days!
I called up the contact number and talked with Reggie. He informed me that class would start in a couple of days and that I could still register. There are no tuition fees (amazing!) but I just needed to pay for 4 books ($ 170). They have two class times available. Morning from 11 – 2 or evening from 6 – 9. You have to be careful about the schedule listed on the website though… Good thing I called ahead of time because on the website the morning class was listed as 9 – 12 and Mondays and Wednesdays, but classes are actually from 11 – 2 and Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.
I just finished up with my second day of tax prep. class and so far so good! Reggie and John (instructors) have been informative and helpful and the atmosphere of the place is very relaxed.
If you’re in search of a new career, you should consider tax preparation! And if you are considering tax preparation, you should take classes at Liberty Tax Service in Chula Vista with Reggie!
Another perk: There’s a 7-​Eleven right next door and during breaks, you can go over there and fill up on snacks! As a big snacker, that was a huge plus!