dont believe the ibsn tax consultant people
started by amukta 1 year agoReplies
Even I have very bad experience with IBSN. Luckly I have not made the payment. I had some questions regarding payment, there is no response to my messages and escalations. After seeing the messages here I have decided to go with some other consultant.
I am in India ( Bangalore ) and I am yet to file US tax returns for year 2007. Can somebody suggest me good tax consultant preferably in India?.
Thanks.
Best regards,
Sudheer
i gone through all the comments about the services offered at IBSN.
I would like to introduce myself as Manjunath, 22 years old from Bangalore a Tax Consultant specialised in Salary returns filing at Bangalore.
I have more than 5 years of experience in Income Tax, VAT and all other related services.
Till now i have helped more than 2000 employees in filing their tax returns and also more than 500 others to declare thier tax.
Many employees from Top 1000 MNCs are my clients and they have made me as a retainer to take care of their Tax and Investment Matters.
I will be glad to help anyone who have got any issues.
i am very well known for my quality service and timely delivery.
you can contact, if interested, to use my service.
i never assure of anything impossible like saying i will get your 3 years tax returns filed and any other bluffs.
i have got my own tax consultancy and this time i am taking up projects for companies and corporates which has a minimum of 50 employees and to a maximum of any numbers.
any one who want to believe my above work can hav a try and then you will come to know.
i deal in a friendly manner with my clients and many of my clients are very much impressed by this.
Call Manjunath - 9342551802 or mail to pionusconsultants@gmail.com - Bangalore
Let me clear some facts,
1. They give good returns: wrong, my collegues with eaxct same income settings got exactly same with local CPA & H & R block. But they paid flat charges while IBSN charges 10.5 % of itemised. That is wrong.
2. They have improved in portal & website. Yes, it is by sucking money from us.
3. Please don't mention Indian community, they are taking undue advantage of our trust.
My suggestion, next time ,do take summary from them. But also try local CPA or H&R. You will save thousands.
I too fell in trap as somebody referred to me. The guy who referred me is also out from IBSN !!!
It is true in a service industry that too started by young Indian Entrepreneurs, this is the common feature. There must be some mechanism to thwart these kind of damaging messages being posted on a respectable site like Sulekha.
IBSN has just closed with about 30000 US clients and they do a very good job. Since they outsource the job from Indian outfit, it is quite evident of the quality of manpower available. The troube to train the young college grads in communicate needs only excperience than just posting a message. For example see the English language of this great crying baby "AMUKTA" and such people are accepted in USA. We can imagine the plight of companies coming to India to set up their offices with the quality of manpower they get here.
THE PURPOSE OF WRITING THIS MESSAGE IS TO ADVISE THE READERS AND SURFERS NOT TO GET CARRIED AWAY THIS KIND OF MESSAGES.
But MSEC are you confusing their consumer service which seems to be point of discussion here form their business acumen?
I am sure that lots of other Indian startups wont be able to scale as well as IBSN did - but again i dont think that the OP or anyone here is out to compare one indian startup against another. Your theory of competitors trying to damage IBSN is itself weird. Why would you think that? I would understand IBSNs pain at being pointed out their faults, but you seem to be feeling it for them for some reason. I got my fingers burnt from IBSN, I got my manager in some stress after recommending IBSN to him. I think their service is pathetic - and I have the experience to prove it.
I dont know about you but my idea of business scalability isnt pretty different from a web server scalability. If you want to argue about that we can:
You actually think they have a good website? Try checking out their competition: Taxact.com, H&R Block, Turbo Tax etc. (You might find it surpising but these guys do tax too and they are competition - in fact Taxact is much cheaper). IBSN has a "process" which pretends to give you personal attention for each step. But thats hardly the case. They take crap shots with whoever they find on each step and you are clueless as much as they are when you need to go back a few steps.
And God forbid you have a question after you pay the money. No one picks up the phone, no one responds to voice mail and no one responds to messages. I had to screw the whole process and head to a local guy who was surprised to see all the deductions and false interpretations of tax law to make a buck. The first thing he said was "Hey I know this guy". Best of luck when you get audited buddy. With all this noise, all the IRS needs to audit will be a four letter word in the tax filing ("IBSN" in case you were wondering what that was)
And I am tired of the IBSN cronies hanging out on the forums giving a pathetic defence. Why dont you just tell us that you are. In fact telling us we are wrong because your experience was good is the most transparent way of doing it anyway.
If you really do believe that everyone was wrong because you had a flawless experience with IBSN, you really need to keep taking those pills.
Dear Srini. I think you did not read my message clearly. I was not taking side one way or the other. I shared my experience with you of talking to the management of having issues and escalations and negative messages posted in this website before doing an arrangement with them for our small set of employees. My point is that in every service business you have a few disgruntled consumers and IBSN has some too, especially here. Did you get a chance to go through their corporate presentation present on their website...Do you think if they are as bad as what you are portraying them to be than they would grow to this many number of tax returns. Look at their client lists, you think these huge corporations do not do their due diligence before allowing them to do their employees tax return. If a small consulting company like us do it than I am sure they have more stringent requirements.
Also in my previous message I explained that I spoke directly to the management of the company before making a decision. I am sorry your manager had to face a situation with them but there were many other people who had a wonderful experience with them and some of them were employees from our small outfit. Now if you want to compare pricing for Tax Act, etc. than well do you include the labor hours of you doing it yourself and also the mistakes you may make. Srini, I can suggest a cheaper option for you by just going to IRS website or library and getting the required forms and doing it yourself. Does it give you guarantee that what you have done is correct or does it pay you back your opportunity costs of working...unless you have a lot of time at your discretion. Tomorrow if you have a law suit, would you prefer fighting your own case or going to a professional attorney, its a decision as simple as that. If you go to Block, JH than they are more expensive than IBSN and I have heard that from experiences of others.
Again as far as certain service related issues are concerned than I have got an assurance from the management that they are aggresively working hard to not even have marginal issues that they are facing and will come with a solid idea of making the process very smooth for clients. They also conveyed to us that they had issues with implementation of their telecommunication system and one of my employee verified that saying they had posted that message on their website.
As far as judging of their tax knowledge, I think we will be foolish as they probably do not want to risk their huge business by getting you or any other client little bit higher refund. Think like a business man Srini and not like a layman. Are you even aware of JH having a big law suit in the middle of last tax season or Block being audited for doing their own corporate tax return wrong. Interpretation of law is always subject to being challenged but IBSN supports you by having tax representation services included in your tax return.
I am not here to suggest to you or anyone else as to what choice they are suppose to make. I am just here to share the experience some of my close associates had, the only difference is you had negative remarks and I had positive approach. I will personally try their services and let you know, infact we have also decided to pass them our accounting and payroll services. I once again repeat be an indian and indian of today, if there is an issue rectify it, don't throw mud slings on these forums, the're no use.
Firstly, your experience might be fine. However, its not proof that the experience of others did not suck.
I did look at their presentations. I did NOT talk to their management (I guess I'm an average Joe and not the CEO. Yeah - that pretty much nails it). But what again is your point? Proof by PowerPoint presentation? Proof by connections? If I made a presenatation showing you what they did would you then change your opinion? (I can make pretty compelling ones. Their presentations were bland and were pretty 'stock'. Plus, they looked like an attempt to get venture capital rather than get a company's/persons business). I also took their service because I looked at their client list. Obviosuly my bad choice wasn't pleasant - I'm at this forum now and I write what I write.
Maybe you didn't follow the facts: you CAN get a better experience with the online sites. HR Block has support. You are right that Taxact does not (as far as I know at least), but my point was this: Why do you pay big bucks (more that a regular tax consultant) for a pathetic service?? And do you think IRS won't audit you for filing taxes badly? And do you also know that the ultimate responsibility falls on you and not on IBSN if that happens? So much for a 6 year promise to stand behind me - they can't respond to me now!!
You trust them because they made promises to you - you as a manager for your employees. They needed your business and kept you happy. Reminds me of IBSN before I paid. Maybe you should talk to people at the trenches who got their taxes done and stop being so elitist by speaking from the experience of marketing brochures and conference calls. And congrats for the assurances you got. Looks like the others didnt get it.
You make a point on costs. I paid IBSN approx $320 and I had questions after I paid. They never answered my questions for more that 2 weeks and just sent my documents to post a few days before Apr 15 (I had to do a paper filing). I left voice mails, messages, escalations for over 2 weeks - all for nothing. I finally spent $120 at another local tax consultant who did a much better job. My brick-and-mortar consultant has a real phone and I can walk down to get an immediate clarification. I get a better bang for the buck from him rather than from IBSN's disappearing trick.
As far as judging their tax knowledge - I am no expert - but its clear that their interpretation of the tax law is in exterme contrast from others. Here are a few: You have an apartment and commute to a your client's office for the whole year: He puts together driving, laundry, rent, etc as non-reimbursed business expenses. This is a weird interpretation of home location. For the mortgages payments in India he suggests making interest payments as tax deductible. (The other tax consultants I talked to completetly disagree with that). Foolish to risk business interpreting it this way? We'll find out. You are naive to think that IBSN "stands" by you. Again: Its your tax returns and its your responsibility. I can't believe you would do business relying on verbal assurances.
MSEC says: "I once again repeat be an indian and indian of today, if there is an issue rectify it, don't throw mud slings on these forums, the're no use."
Its not about being Indian or American or whatever. IBSN is unfair (out there for my money and returns no value)and unprofessional (no decency to even respond after taking my money) and thats what I have to share here.
And, I should rectify their issue? Its not my business. Really.
And "mudslinging" here has no use? Are you sure? And you think your defence is useful?
Seriously: Is that the best argument to work with IBSN? With my money? Please.
I am not here like some of the others to tell people to "try IBSN first and make up your own mind". I am here to tell people "if you are thinking of them run away hard till your feet hurt".
But then of course, some might want to do it MSEC's way: Their being Indian excuses them for their pathetic business practices. Pass them your accounting and payroll too. Also keep a good supply of generousity, patience and sleeping pills handy. Good luck.
You probably havent read the other posts here to figure that the "guy or may be gal Amukta" is the only one with issues.
Also the issue is with IBSNs pathetic service. You talk about Indian Entrepreneurs, "outsource job", etc which is beside the point. Actually - What the hell is your point?
I have started filing the tax with IBSN in Jan'08 based on the referal from one my fiend (he refered me since he got the good service last year). IBSN worked good and replied me prompty till they recieve the payment. After that the service is pathetic. They are extending the tax filing date for their delay. When ever I send a mail they are giving a false commitment even lieing (Eg: 3 weeks back they replied me for one of my mail saying the documents has been mailed to me. Today they are saying that they will send by next week. How can I trust?). Even I asked the reason for the delay, they denied to tell the reason. How can I remain silent without knowing a reason but delayed.
Delay happens in any work and with any company. All I am expecting is a proper response and the reason for the delay and scheduled date to complete the filing. If they are not giving this how they can plan for their business to run properly?
This is the first year I am filing a tax in US and with IBSN. Had a good learning experience!!. I haven't tried any other providers so I don't have any comments about IBSN by comparing with others.
Thanks
VJ
IBSN is BIGTIME DOG SHIT. It claims to have people with IIT , MBA and CPA degrees . that is so ironical. People at IBSN are unscrupulous, unethical, unprofessional and the most useless service providers. These people are miles and miles away from being IITians or CPA holders.
I really hope that law cracks this firm severly.
I observed that n ravinder is the only user who loves IBSN ..and even writes similar to the way IBSN agents talk ..may be he is their representative at Sulekha. IBSN is a brainchild to squeeze money out of IT ppl who travel onsite.
Good thing is that this company is registered in IOWA. We can register our complaints at the Better Business Bureau http://www.desmoines.bbb.org. I dont know about you guys but am going to do it. I dont want other people to suffer the way we have In fact I am already telling all my friends about this SHIT FIRM and asking them to spread the word.
And for those people who are raving about IBSN getting huge refunds ...well don't forget that they do it at your cost. They only look at the % of refund amount they can get as fees. They are never going to stand by you when you have to justify your returns.
They are evil on earth. They took 320$ from me and no response. I got into trap. There are more poor people who sufffered beacuse of IBSN. Is there any way to sue this company? I am very serious on this issue
Please help if anybody know how to sue them. I registered compalint against them on said site.
HOW BAD BUSINESS CAN BE DONE LEARN IT FROM IBSN.......
The service of IBSN is terrible. They are fine until you pay them and then they stop responding completely.
If you have very basic returns you will never have problems - in this case you should file it yourself rather than pay so much to IBSN. But if you have any questions right after you pay you are out of luck. Better go to a real consultant rathern than these guys.
ANd I'm not just talking about me. I recommended these guys because they started right after I hit the submit button. It was impressive. But then it downhill from there. Now both he and I were stonewalling with an unresponsive customer service. 7 year guarantee for your tax returns? Yeah right.
Lots of posters here are asking you to be "professional" by not complaining about IBSN! Use it or dont use it but keep quiet? Grow up and get used to the internet. Pathetic service = Pathetic reviews and hopefully someone else will have a better tax experience next year.
-They charge exorbitant..10.5% what you save, as if it is their money and they are giving in bounty. I have seen my friends this year who did their Taxes from local CPA or H&R. The job was done hardly in an hour and returns are good...Itemization which is perfectly Legal.... And guess what..in 1/3rd price. Others charge flat.
-It is only the people who are new to US Tax system fall into trap with IBSN.... They simply cheat and are utterly unethical. There is no customer service..even English speaking is a big problem. It is resposibility of seniors to guide newcomers and also spread the word to our friends.
Are you proffesional? bahave like a proffesional man,What you know about IBSN man, Come out from house and the ask the our client. If you are not interested simply leave it .Ibsn will fill your return i.e entire process with free of cost after filling you returns if you satisfied with your summary then only pay the fee.This oppurtunity thay are providing.Before going comment on any company know fully.
Hi Ravinder.. I am a victim of your company.. out of my experience I can say that you guys are totally unprofessional, you guys did not call back me once you got your fee, you guys did not file my tax by due date.. My id on your site is M23231. Finally I had to file my taxes through other tax agent. You are simply cheater. You guys work from Hydrabad, the people receiving phone call do not even know about different forms for tax filing. All your contact numbers given on your site are internet phones and calls either directly go to voice message or simply disconnects. It was a very frustrating experience. Please don’t cheat people.
I don't get what do you mean by free of cost... Please know their process or the company well before any comment :)
Process is : 1..Tax Discussion 2. Summary 3.You agree- PAY.PAY.PAY- 4. and then Summary.
Following is my current experince with that unprofessional Company..
NEVER GO TO IBSN.. IRS also is raising questions against their TAX Filing.
I started dealing with IBSN in Feb 2nd week of 2008 for filing returns for FY 2007. Today is 9th April and I am yet to recieve my tax documents. Inspite of tons of mails, voice messages, escalations (they have option to escalate on their home page), I am being told that the documents will reach asap.
Just 6 days are remaining for filing returns but IBSN guys just don't care. For last 15 days I have been sending daily mails, trying to contact them, but all this of no use. All the phone nos. on their website only rings and nobody picks up the phone. Few extensions that I know always go to voice mail. Occassionaly I get the reply back for my queries saying - they'll notify the concerned person. I have tried escalating the matter, but again of no use.
I really don't know what to do. It seems IBSN has screwed up big time and they are ignoring the phones/mails to cover up. For full day yesterday their site was down.
It seems I made a big fault by going to IBSN. I am a first timer for filing US returns and ended up paying 120$ for standard deduction. They also charged 15$ for shipping tax document. I was told its a priority shipping and tax docs will reach in 2 days after shipping. Its 15 days now.
Now if I search for ISBN reviews on google, all I find is bad, worse and worst news. I repent why didn't I search the same before even contacting them.
My request to all of your readers is - to never ever go to IBSN for tax filing. It sucks !
The service of ISBN tax is pathetic. Before you make payment - they'll call you quite often. After money is paid, they simply forget your case.
Initially they promised me they will file for my Federal, State and Local return. After I made the payment, they told their software doesn't allow for filing for local return. They promised me to help me in filing it myself. After I have made the payment, I am tried of reaching them, no body picks up the phone, nobody replies.
They told they have shipped my tax doc on 25th March. Today after 11 days I got a mail saying that my tax doc will be shipped asap.
These ppl are there just for making money. I don't recommend IBSN to anyone. You'll only end up with horrible experience.
I am shocked to see all these comments,In my opinion so many clients satisfied in filing their returns getting more refunds when compared to other companies,They are providing free evaluation of tax return it is not compulsory to file, you have an oppurtunity to decide to file or not if you are not satisfied just leave it . we are professionals behave like a professionals
I am not telling all of the clients are satisfied somany are satisfied i filed for 2005, 2006 & 2007 also i am satisfied if you are not intrested just leave it thats it it is not a professional way.
see guys some of the persons satisfied regarding ibsn, ansd some of the persons are not satisfied ragarding ibsn.But we have to know in the business world it is comman i had filled for 2006 at that time i got bad response. but for the year 2007 i got good response from them , in only one chance we should not tell they are not good. Finally iam telling we are proffessionals ,it not correct way like to write comments on some other person, see guys if u dont like leave it , so dont put like this. i want to write about this site badly ,but idont write like that, becase we are not like u .
Yahipe mar kha gaya India...hehehehe...chup baitho.
Be it anything... Hotels, Places etc... do write reviews.
Don't you read reviews before booking Hotel or buying a product?
Don't give me answer that you don't read..hehehehe
Bottom line is "IBSN ki vaat lagado..."
I just filed my 2007 taxes with them. They screwed up my filing big time.
Firstly they send me the PDF, with the wrong Bank account number. Secondly they filed to IRS with wrong SSN. Thankfully IRS checked it and rejected it. Thirdly they were supposed to send me hardcopy of what they submitted to IRS. That mail which I got through USPS, contains the documents for someother person. This means that all my documents would have gone to someone else. All the confidential information, including my address and SSN is in the documents and they are all GONE, to someone else.
I am thinking, if there are any way to SUE IBSN.
Take my advice... DO NOT USE IBSN.
Thanks,
Juwin.
302-885-9959
Dear Amukta,
I spoke to one of the employees of IBSN he was explaining me about the whole process of filing a tax return.I donot agree with your statement that people does not lift the call first thing is that you need to know the concerned person ext no