Menu
For Business Write a review File a complaint
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG]

Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] review: tax refund 65

M
Author of the review
11:42 am EST
Review updated:
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I used TurboTax to e-file my federal return this year. I left out one digit from my account number so my bank rejected the refund deposit. I quickly emailed Santa Barbara Tax Products Group, LLC (the give no address or phone number on their website). SBTPG responded quiclky with a phone number. After explaining things to customer service I was assured that if I faxed in a valid ID, SS card and a bank deposit slip they would be able to correct the account number.

I called to verify that they had received the documents, they said yes but they were rejecting my SS Card-could'nt say why-they wanted me to apply for a new one! Now I need to wait two or three weeks for a new card before I can re-apply for MY REFUND while they hold it.

All my other documents match, including my wife's, and my SS Card is quite legible-they just don't like it?

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

65 comments
Add a comment
T
T
tompar
Wheaton, US
Feb 22, 2010 6:15 pm EST

This involving my 2009 Federal Tax Return. I used Turbotax to file the return. My refund was scheduled to be released to TurboTax on the 10th of February. TurboTax received the funds on the 12th of February. The refund was to be released from Santa Barber Tax Group on the 16th. Due to a numerical error in their computer system my account number was incorrect and the funds could not be deposited and was to be sent in check form. I called the number provide and spoke with a general customer service representative. I was told there was nothing that could be done and it was sent out in the days mail. I then asked to speak with a supervisor and was told there are none available at this time. The customer service representative told me that they would not be able to help me and the supervisor would only tell me the same thing. I then asked to be transferred again and was. The person I spoke with did not intent on telling me their title at Santa Barbara Tax Group and I continued to ask for it. This person was also a general customer service representative. Once I found this out I asked to speak with a supervisor again and was transferred to Lead Customer Service Representative Trey at extension 6824. He was aware of the situation and told me he was going to transfer me to his supervisor and put me on hold. Once he came back on the line he told me that he was able to retrieve my check from the mailroom. My check was not sent out in the days mail as I was told. Trey said in order for a direct deposit to be put in motion I was going to have to fill out a “Address or Account Info Change Request form” and fax it to [protected]. Also in this fax was a voided check and copy of Social Security Card. He stated that once the fax was received that it would take two hours to adjust the account and release the funds that day. I called roughly one hour later to confirm the fax was received and spoke with Jeremy at extension 6814. He said the fax machine was backed up and to call back around closing time (5:30pm Pacific time). I called again and spoke with Jeremy. He said the fax had not be yet received and to contact him in the morning. I did as such and spoke with him at 7:00am on the 17th. The fax was still not received and once again he asked me to contact within two hours to see if it was. At 11:30am I spoke with him again and the fax was received. He stated the account was updated and the funds were going to be released later that day. On Thursday the 18th I checked my bank account and no funds were posted. I called and spoke with Jeremy he told me the fax was not processed until Wednesday evening and it takes 1 to 2 days for the funds to post. The transaction was in the form of an ACH deposit. He then stated the funds will be released on that day the 18th. On Friday the 19th I still had not received any funds and called to speak with Jeremy once more. He told me that for what ever reason the funds were not released when they were supposed on the 18th and they were released the day of the Friday the 19th and should post in my account no later then Monday the 22nd which is today. Today is Monday the 22nd and I still have not received anything. Upon checking my bank account I called and spoke with Trey at extension 6824, who did not remember the situation, he also informed me his title was a customer service representative. At no point did he state he was lead or supervisor. He told me the funds were scheduled to be released today the 22nd and will posted within 1 to 2 business day. I asked what guarantee that I had my funds would be released today. He then transferred me to his supervisor Ruby at extension 6518. She was aware of the full situation dating back to last Tuesday the 16th. She stated my funds are scheduled to be released today at 3:00pm Pacific time and should post tomorrow Tuesday the 23rd. At no point in time did she apologize for the inconvenience or provide me with any real verification that the transaction would take place today. She was able to provide me with a Trace number which was 8 digits long my bank confirmed they are supposeded to be 15 long. I asked that she email me with that number, her full name, title, and extension and also trey’s information. I never received the email. I am writing this to inform you that their business practice is subpar. They did not try to resolve this situation the way they portrayed that they would. In dealing with their customers they do not treat them with professionalism or respect.

H
H
HBLansing
Victoria, CA
Apr 01, 2010 3:33 pm EDT

SUMMARY: COMPLETELY INEPT AND UNCARING CSR'S WHO DO NOT READ OR RESPOND WITH ANYTHING BEYOND FORMULA REPLIES. FAILED TO FOLLOW WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS OR HEED CUSTOMER INFORMATION VITAL TO THE TRANSACTION. ENTIRELY DIS-SATISFIED. WILL NOT USE THEIR SERVICE AGAIN UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

3/26: Notified SBTPG via online "contact us" form that additional information (transit ID)needed to be appended to the existing routing number/account number combination they had on file, as my bank notified me they would be able to complete the transfer without it.

3/26: Received email asking me to call the 877 number to speak with a CSR

3/29: Notified the CSR via email that the 877 number was unusable from where I am in Canada at the moment, asked for a direct non-877 number. Specifically noted, again, that the transfer could not be completed without the transit ID being appended.

3/29: received an email telling me the IRS had not sent them money yet, and if I had questions to contact the IRS. Not an answer to my request, at all, again provided the 877 number I can not use.

3/29: Once again replied that a)the answer had nothing to do with the question, b) I still can not use the 877 number, and c) please give me a number I can use.

3/29: Received a change form PDF from them, with specific instructions for it.

3/31: Form and information (with a bold note on front of form stating that this change was only to append the transit ID, not change the account number) faxed at 9:38 AM

3/31: Email sent to SBTPG at 2:50 PM requesting confirmation of receipt/processing of change form and reiterating that if the change is not made the transfer will fail.

3/31: Received a reply once again telling me to call the 877 number to speak to a rep, no additional information

3/31: Once again replied that the 877 number is unusable for me

3/31: Received a reply telling me that if I was unable to call the number to try it with an operator.

4/1: Once again replied that the number will not work, please forward to a supervisor, and give a number I can use. Alternately, since they now have my phone number they can call me.

4/1: Amazingly receive another reply telling me to call the 877 number.

4/1: Found this thread, found Ruby's name as a supervisor and her extension. Sleuthed enough to find a non-877 number by tracking back the owners of the domain that hosts the website and called.

4/1: Convinced the person who answered the phone to transfer me to Ruby at her extension

4/1: Ruby informs me that...despite the entire chain of notifications, emails, and their own change form spelling out that the transit ID needed to be appended...they have received the funds from the IRS and sent the electronic transfer based on the original insufficient combination of routing and account numbers. Additionally, she informs me that they do not/can not use SWF codes or transit numbers...only routing and account numbers. Which means that a week ago I could have been told this and instructed them to just cut me a check and we could have avoided this whole mess.

4/1 After a long conversation with Ruby (who at this point is the only bright spot in this fiasco) we are at her attempting to kill the transaction and get me a check cut. I'll find out later this afternoon if she pulled it off.

J
J
Joe Mastriano CPA
Houston, US
Apr 29, 2010 5:12 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

You should never hire someone based solely on hype, advertising, or recommendations from "friends". Always do background checks on the people or firms you are looking to hire, before you hire them. In the age of Internet it is so easy to run their name through Google and see what you can find out about them and what complaints they have. One hour of research over the Internet may save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.

I'm a licensed CPA with over 25 years of experience in tax problem solving and IRS representation. You can find a lot of useful free information and tips on IRS and tax problem solving on my website at: www.TaxProblem.org

E
E
E. Contreras
Victorville, US
Sep 17, 2010 12:22 am EDT

I also had the same problem with S.B.B.T. I talked to them after they had sent the A.C.H. to my bank. Now my bank after recieving the A.C.H. would not put my refund on the acct. because i was not the primary card holder. My uncle is the original acct. holder but we added my name to the acct. so i could get my refund quicker than waiting for a check, Let me also say, we checked with the bank ahead of time and asked if that was acceptable, and was assured there would be no problem. Well they blocked his acct. when i called i was informed about sending all the documents in which we did, BUT! they demanded i send copies of my state I.D. card, my SS card the front page of my 1040 and a current utility bill in my name with the current address which would have to match what they had on file. AND! the same things from my uncle. including a copy of his 1040! O.K. i was trippin but we complied, after about 2 weeks of getting all of these different docs. together i fax them. i call to make sure they got them and they tell me ""yeah, they got them but the SS# doesnt look right i need to go apply for another! i told them i wasnt going to wait another 3 weeks for them to see a different card, they said i could fax them a copy of the reciept that i applied. Well who the hell do they think they are? so i just say the hell with arguing with them i'll just comply, so i did just that, then fax the reciept to them, i call to make sure they got it ok, they told me they had but they weren't going to send me a check they were going to send it back to the originating financial institution. but first I NEEDED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THAT BANK, and have them fax them over an indemnity bond. thats just utter nonsense. But like a fool i comply because i want whats rightfully mine that they are holding hostage, and until i jump through hoops there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. i call the originating institution, which is Santa Barbara Bank and Trust and they told me that they never heard of such a thing and i should call my bank back and tell them so. and to tell them if any body should be requesting a bond it should be them! so like a fool i do just that, trhey tell me to call them back to tell them if they wont send it they werent going to release it. so i send an E-mail to the C.E.O. of Metabank explaining what i had been through. I didnt expect to hear back but wanted to let somebody know about Larry. Moe and CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. Well next thing you know i get an E-mail from the manager of the escalation department that my funds were being released to S.B.B.T. right away. COOL, i thought. the next day i call S.B.B.T. and they tell me they need a copy of my I.D.and.S.Security card. o.k. i send it and they have a problem with the S.Security card! what ? i had just received it in the mail, it was brand spanking new! they tell me go apply for another one! anyway after going round and round with them for a good week one of thier customer service geniuses tells me "well, we dont have the funds anyway because ACCOUNT NOW hasnt sent us anything, man, m i've had it, I E-mailed them and told them to keep the money, they were a bunch of thieves! Oh one last thing to leave you with other than my sincere hope that you have better luck than i had, this is not my 2009 tax return this was my 2008 return! i recieved my 2009 refund, i had the I.R.S. mail it to me. Imagine that. they should be ashamed, if you or i tried this stunbt we'd be in jail.

S
S
susan49
US
Feb 01, 2011 9:51 pm EST

Obviously your "baby's mother" took it.

D
D
DeniseLH
Vancouver, US
Feb 18, 2012 4:23 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Santa Barbara Tax Products Group Is the worse. Send several emails to them about a problem. Always was told I would be contact is 24 hours. Finally got someone on the phone. They claimed that I needed to use the website to contact them. I was using a link in the email they sent stating to use to contact costumer service. I was told I was being charged X amount of dollars. Then that amount changed. I was told well we had to ### tax. Why was that added in the total when I agreed to use the service. They said there was nothing they could do to help me. I would need to contact Turbo tax or the IRS. HELLO! It SBTPG Service I am using. Not a helpful company at all. Rep claimed there were 3 supervisors standing behind. Why didn’t she put one of them on the phone since she wasn’t able to explain anything to me?
NEVER NEVER again will I ever use this service. And any one has a ounce of brains they would not either. Borrow the money if you have to pay versus using this service. I don’t know what I was thinking when I clicked on this. STUPID on my part.
OH and still no word on my taxes

U
U
Unsatisfied with SBTBG
Lake Elsinore, US
Apr 06, 2012 11:10 am EDT

According to the IRS refund link my refund was deposited on April 4th, so I call Santa Barbara Tax products Group, LLC April 6th and all they can say is that they haven't received it. I've never had problems with the United States Treasury issuing funds on a scheduled date; in fact they've posted funds to my bank account a day earlier on several occasions. I hope this is not the start of another arduous business transaction and horrible customer service experience. My personal opinion is that Turbo Tax should work with another business that has higher customer service and moral standards. SBTPG is hurting Turbo Tax business.

J
J
jonathan kaz
raleigh, US
Apr 10, 2012 7:50 am EDT

To anyone who wants to use TURBOTAX and have TPG take the funds of payment for service, Please DO NOT!
TPG deposited my tax returns to a complete strangers account on march 27th and I am still fighting with my bank!
The problem is, it is not treated as fraud and cannot be retracted easily. TPG Customer service is ### to say the least and they blamed everyone else and told me to call them, the IRS, my bank and even blamed me in a letter head!

How the hell would I know someone else account number?
I think the state should investigate this group!

T
T
tinker1312
Albuquerque, US
May 26, 2012 4:42 am EDT

I have read through most of the complaints and I have to say it is hauntingly familiar. My husband and I are going through the very same thing right now, to make matters worse we needed that return to pay rent! Well thanks to TPG my husband myself and our child are now homeless! We faxed all the documents liked they asked and they said his SS card was tampered with.. HAHA very funny it was still attached to the paper they send it in the mail attached to. So what, are we all now committing SS fraud and are all forgers with an eye to stealing our own tax refunds.. I want to know how these people have gotten away with this for so long? Don't they have to follow the same laws as you and I? If not how do I get a job with them so I too can do as I please!

L
L
lrhy60
Lake City, US
Jun 14, 2012 3:25 pm EDT

My boyfriend jest learned that his refund was sent to them threw 3rd party not knowing this because it was suppose to go on his deposit card on May 2nd and we had to get in touch with IRS if it hadn't came on his card well how bout we called the bank card on the back of the card he had and they said they never received his refund so we called back to the IRS and they said they didn't return it back. when all we needed was a change of address done he did that to and the IRS finally tells us we didn't have to do it because we had already sent his info they said they had already posted his refund on his card but when we called them they said they didn't have it again to call IRS again so we did and the women at the IRS said she would trace it down for us and she did and it went back to them which is First Federal mirage bank of California but name is California bank or Santa Barbra tax group . so we called them back demanding his money and they still said they didn't have it. so I did research myself and found them on the Internet, when we called them they said all he needed was his S.S, I.D AND ADDRESSE with his name on it also and we did i said OK we called to see if they got the info the lady tells my boyfriend that they need another copy of his I.D and S.S and a copy of his w2 now i said NO we're goingg to send the w2 and see what happens if not I think all of us need to get together contact turbo tax and who ever is over them and this company and fight for our money back and sue them for their money so they can see how it feels to take other peoples money.

D
D
ddstaxlady
Zephyrhills, US
Nov 28, 2012 1:27 pm EST

to everyone that think they are having issues with Santa Barbara Tax Product Group, First of all you should not be using turbo tax thats a big red flag to the bank you dont realize all the fraud that goes along with turbo tax... if you went thru a tax preparer like me that is signed up with SBBT then you wouldnt have problems... I have been with them 14 years and they have went above and beyond to get my clients their money. If you are having issues its because risk dept. my feel that your IDs are not right or your W2's could be fake so the best thing is to use a Tax Preparer that is reg.. with them... One time I found out there were dozens of refunds going to the same address. You dont realize all the fraud. and someone could be using your info... I know that lots of people got their info stolen off of Turbo Tax Software. Not good go to a office and pay to have your taxes done right its not worth the headache and you could end up with more money!

B
B
beariver
Plant City, US
Apr 21, 2013 3:34 pm EDT

I filed 2012 taxes with turbo tax as I have for years. I get a check from University Bank aka Santa Barbara Tax Products Group. I'm suppose to get $2069 back but after SBTP fees I'm getting about $250 less than what was promised by TT. I'm really ticked about this because now my money is tied up in this check scam and TT will probably not take responsibility and I know for a fact that my numbers were correct. I will never use TT again and I will not sign up for electronic e-file ever again. Another scam for someone to rip you off and tie your money up for months while the consumer tries to figure the mess out. Dana

C
C
Charlie36
El Campo, US
Nov 06, 2013 7:21 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The moral of these stories is DO NOT use Turbo Tax. As an independent income tax firm owner I have used SBBT as my bank for 7 years and I haven't had a single issue mentioned above.

N
N
NorCalCourtney
US
Feb 10, 2014 8:30 pm EST

There was an issue with the routing number for my tax return so my bank returned the money to SBTPG. I called them on the 6th and they told me to fax a change of account form along with my and husband's ID, SS card and a voided check. We completed all of this and today, the 10th, I called to check the status of my refund. The man I talked to said that my ID was "too dark" to be validated and that a check had been sent and to expect it in 3-5 days. (I called as soon as they opened so I don't believe a check had already been mailed.) Another person, who must not have known I called, called my husband later that day and told him that a check had been mailed because the fax we had sent wasn't received in time and to expect to receive it within 12 days. Two different stories, 2 different expected receive dates. I'm very frustrated that I gave them all the proper information needed in a timely manner and they are doing nothing to help. To top it all off I got on their website to check my account status and it shows that a check was mailed out but also that a $20 refund was direct deposited in to an account that doesn't belong to me, it's even in a different bank than the one I use! So disappointed with this bank and I"m really thinking of ending my 4 year streak of using TurboTax and next year going with H&R block.

T
T
TaraW099
Bethlehem, US
Feb 11, 2014 10:18 am EST

NorCalCourtney, I am having the same EXACT problem! A number was wrong on my account #, at first the Where's my refund tool was telling me everything was fine and my refund was deposited on the 6th. Well today rolls around (2/11/14) and nothing. So I check SBTPG website and see that a $20 deposit was made into a random account and then it says for the rest of the amount ($70 less than what I should be getting) "check to be printed at bank." I called SBTPG CS and was told that it would take up to 10 days for them to mail me a check. But where is that $20 going?! I will never use turbotax again.

V
V
vincine
lehigh acres, US
Feb 14, 2014 7:35 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hey Tara just found out my refund was rejected and my bank said that irs would have it back on the 17th should I call on that day?

A
A
alreyes
US
Feb 26, 2014 9:36 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

how long did it take to get your check did yall get them yet if so how many days it tiok to get it after it said it was mailed

M
M
mrmrr420
US
Apr 24, 2014 1:28 pm EDT

A class action lawsuit needs to be filed against TurboTax and Santa Barbara Tax Products Group. I spoke with both companies 2 days ago, April 22, 2014. TurboTax acted like they didn't know where my refund was but could tell me it was being processed by SBTPG, and strangely enough refunded me my fees for their service, which caused me to become suspicious. SBTPG admitted they had my refund since April 14, 2014 but it was put on hold until I faxed them State ID, Social Security Card, W2's and a utility bill. I originally filed on Feb. 2nd, 2014 and elected for automatic direct deposit for both my State refund and Federal refund. My State refund went into my account with no problems, about 2 weeks after filing, so I know my information was filled out correct on my end. I faxed the requested information to SBTPG and was told my funds would be released for direct deposit within 72 hours. I asked why my funds were put on hold and why I was not notified that they were on hold ... the answer I was given; because it showed that you had other IRS funds being deposited into your bank account and they didn't contact me because they have to many other funds on hold as well and it is impossible to contact everyone. Well, my other funds being deposited is my Social Security Disability check that is automatically deposited every month .. SOOO, I know for sure that SBTPG has my correct bank account information. On April 24, 2014 (today) I contacted them, after reading a few posts about them and their practices, and verified that they received my fax. They gentleman I spoke with acknowledged that he did receive my fax and said that my funds were released on April 22, 2014. I asked when I should expect to see it in my checking account .. his answer, and it was not surprising, let us say it all together >>> your deposit was rejected by your bank so we had to send a check to you, you should see it in 2 to 7 business days

J
J
jen19850
Greensboro, US
May 09, 2014 11:59 am EDT

Well this is my first year filing with turbo tax and basically I had an terrible experience with this sbtpg bank first of all someone changes the bank and routing number on my account so my money wasn't deposit into my account it was sent back and they said they was gone issue out a check and I should receive it in 3 to 5 days still no check what is going on...I will never use them again

J
J
j stover
Landale, US
Aug 03, 2014 8:16 pm EDT

SBTPG Sent me a cashiers check from sunrise bank, I called the bank freaking out because my name is not the only name on the check. Identity theft yet SBTPG wants me to go and file and do all the work when they should check into it . They are the ones that filed a fraudulent joint tax return under my ss. They are responsible ! Now I have to go through all turmoil to get to the bottom of it.

S
S
Statik2083
Troutman, US
Mar 17, 2015 3:54 pm EDT

Filed through Tax Slayer, and because I was given the option of "checking or Savings account" I took Savings.
Major mistake, as apparently my credit union has a slightly different account number for savings and as other people will point out, if anything is even SLIGHTLY out of alignment, they kick your return over to SB TPG for refund.

But wait, there's more!

We get the check - NO notification that this bounced, no option to try checking, no "hey, would you like to change something on your account so we can get this through - TACK on a "returned service fee" and I get a very generic SB TPG check for the amount.
Of course this requires special authentication via website or phone, which seemed easy enough - but the teller at my CU couldn't get it to work... after much hand wringing we had a supervisor try it and fail too. They recommend we get it cashed at WALMART?!?

Walmart very quickly says "problem" and to call their 800 number as there is a "credit issue"
(no credit issue, SB TPG only allows one authorization, after the botched attempt the check was DEAD)

SO... at this point I called on feb 20th and find out I have to fill out the form, send in the check, send in copies of my IDs (DL and SSL) as a paranoia, I send a copy of the taxes too, faxed to an email fax service the CSR told me to - despite my asking they COULD NOT re-attempt EFT. All they can do is issue another check. - get all this in via mail and I'm called on 2/27 that they need my WIFE's DL and SSL since she's on the taxes (forget that the SLL is already in the tax forms I gave them)

Ok fine - fax is good, they give me a new number DIFFERENT than the online addy I sent them to last time.

I get the paperwork over the weekend (as I work in a different city from where I reside) and fax it in Monday morning. Get Fax receipt.

Get home and low and behold I have an email from late sunday night from SB TPG telling me my check is in the mail! Please wait 5 to 7 business days. Ok... so Monday - Friday, should be there the next tuesday (10th) at the latest.

Tuesday - no check. ok, I'll give them 1 more day to be officially "late"
Wednesday - no check - ok call... spend my lunch hour on hold, no human. Send form.
Thursday - No check - ok call again, spend my lunch hour on hold, no human. Send form again.
Friday - No check - 3rd call - third lunch hour spent on hold. Get form response, wants @#$# number from logging into their page. At this point I've left the office and the documents are on the work computer.
Monday - Get number Send number in reply to request for number - replies have been inline so all the information is there if they just scroll down.

Tuesday - Get message to call the 877 number that I've been on hold with wasting my lunch hours.
AT this point I'm going off. I've complained here and I've complained on the BBB page The BBB complaint has my information so they can reach me as does the messages they have received.

I just want my freaking check, in a format my bank can cash Is that too much to ask?!?!?

S
S
Statik2083
Troutman, US
Mar 18, 2015 12:38 pm EDT

Hi there boys and girls... ME again.
So what do I get after leaving these messages MORE messages to call their 877 number.
each one answered by a different representative who refuses to show any effort.

So I finally get on the phone today and risk going over my lunch hour (total call length 49 minutes counting hold times)
First Rep I talk to looks at the notes when I say "where's my check" and says "oh I show it as validated on 02/12"
Uh huh, do you see in there any other notes "nope"
So I go off, indicating how I not only talked with reps twice over the phone but how I went through all the paperwork, received acknowledgement of the paperwork AND a call back asking for my wife's ID. - but apparently no one who did any of that took down any notes. Nor about my now 15 individual attempts to get information via online form and 15 series of replies which pretty much asked me for redundant information followed with "you need to call our 877 number"

So... needless to say the rep kicked me up a level... then I got to the next level they were still "looking for my documentation" and found it but were apparently waiting on a call from me?!?!? Why? They called me and asked for more documentation then promptly sent me an email saying my check was in the mail... but guess what A CHECK WAS NEVER CUT. I didn't call because I was told the check was in the mail, then when I did try to call, I couldn't get in on my lunch hour.

So... yeah, now (supposedly) a check is being cut and mailed to me. I asked for Tracking... "well we normally don't do that"
"Lady, I have 0 faith in your organization right now... you've already kept me waiting for the better part of two months now. "
Ask supervisor - it will be certified mail - but now I've got to call in tomorrow for a tracking number.

S
S
Statik2083
Troutman, US
Mar 19, 2015 12:39 pm EDT

Second Followup:
Call in today to get the tracking number, speak with Roxine, I'm happy to at least hear that notes from yesterday were entered and that they are in the process of sending me a check... but then I get - however that check hasn't been processed at this time... could I call back again around dinner time?
No... Not really... I've been calling you people nearly every day since the 11th after I was already told on the 1st that my check was already in the mail. Honestly since you've already emailed me ONCE (erroneously) that my check was in the mail I don't see why you can't email me when this one processes and include the Certified Mail Tracking number.

So she escalates me up to Sabrina, who checks with her supervisor and says "no they can't email me" even through they emailed me before... she lets slip that it could happen any time in the next two days. NEXT TWO DAYS... Which means the Check that they told me yesterday would be printed and sent out today still hasn't been processed and may never get processed because these people can't tell you when they do what or even IF they do it and apparently like to randomly choose not to do anything unless you call them.

Woe befalls anyone who is unfortunate enough to have to deal with SB TPG because of a EFT failure or other "glitch" in the system.

M
M
MGloria
US
May 04, 2015 6:20 pm EDT

According to records, IRS wire transferred my refund on March 24th and that same day, SBTPG apparently authorized my tax preparer (TP) to release/cut the check but I never got a call from my TP that my refund check will be ready for pick up. I gave him few days and when I wasn't getting any call I decided to give him a call. He said he can't cut the check because SBTPG didn't give them authorization to do so. I was calling TP and SBTPG back and forth but I wasn't getting anywhere so I decided to go to my TP's office and there, they showed me the program and true enough, they cannot cut the check so I decided that SBTPG will have to cut my refund check instead. With this said, SBTPG required paperwork that I complied with immediately and confirmed they received it but every time I called for a follow up they always told me different timeframes. Calls were transferred to supervisors who are beyond rude. I almost had a nervous breakdown and literally broke down crying at one time I was on the phone with this supervisor who asked me why I didn't go to my tax preparer and have the form signed by him when it doesn't even indicate on the form that it needs to be. He even told/asked me sarcastically if my TP's office is far from my house why is that so hard to go there to have it signed? So I told him why I didn't do that? Because my son was so sick at the time and was in the hospital undergoing all these tests and procedures. I didn't have to explain but I was so mad that I have to tell him that. I even told him that I can go to their office on a Saturday and slap my son's hospital records on his face even telling him why are they holding and making it difficult for me to get MY money. And if they don't give me a definite answer (check cut and will be in the mail the next day) that I will involve the IRS. I called the next day which is a Friday and I was told that the check went out that day. I received it Monday 4/13 WHICH THEY HAD THE FUNDS SINCE 3/24. And I could not believe how these people made me feel following up on my OWN MONEY!

K
K
KITKAT696985
US
Oct 04, 2015 1:01 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I used sbtpg through turbotax my tax return was sent to their bank in sept 23 2014 they say there was something that they didnt see right so they decided to denie it and return it to irs here a year later irs still clames that they never received it back after several attempts to contact them and getting nowhere with very rude employees im lost here as in what to do next its ben a year and sbtpg still has my money

S
S
Sandra Lee Zubek HappyIsBack
US
Dec 07, 2015 8:54 am EST

I am just beginning the process of confusion. I got email telling me "In order to finalize your request for this payment option, we need to send the following information to:
Sunrise Banks
And
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group

Does anyone know why that is...it put a hold on my process. Please email me if you do understand.
Zubeksandralee1975@gmail.com

B
B
Boulayn
US
Feb 24, 2016 2:31 pm EST

I have been waiting for my return since February 3 the funds were deposited 2/3/16 in their account of some sort. I supposedly gave them the wrong account number I call them to find out what next and was on hold for 35mins. (Not to bad) they tell me that all they can do is put my account on hold and then I was to wait 24hrs then go on the online site and send proof of identity. So I did after that I called to see if it was accepted. I was on hold for over two hrs only to be hung up on. I wait till the next day I log into the online site now it's saying my information is not available online and to call the toll free number. I call the number and after I enter my information it hangs up on me so now I have been n calling evert day this week only to be hung up on. What the @$!#

K
K
Kimmose
US
Feb 26, 2016 11:23 pm EST

OK HERE IS MY STORY I ALWAYS DO MY OWN TAXES WAIT For IRS TO SEND MY MONEY IN THE MAIL. No problem. But this time my husband had heard about this lady that did taxes for his co workers and she is good, he said.and this is how it works.You go to her place, And you give ids, ss, etc.. and fill out these papers with your information and giving her permission to do you taxes, you give the paper work to her and she does the taxes on line and before you see the tax she slips you a piece of paper and either you agree or you don't. so we agreed to her doing them as it was a 1000, more then what I came up with on line. that we would get back after her fees had been taken out. So she asked about diect deposit I said mail us a check. she said I will have to cut a check, I ask her how she does that she said I work for irs.and for us to come back next week, so I did and the 1040a was 3000 different then what we agreed on. so I asked her about this and she stated the software.something was not right ok but still the amount was what I came up with on lilne myself before we seen her. ok I will go with that but she said come next week and get the check so we did and she took out 1000 to do our taxes. that is just bs. so we asked her about this and she said it like 4 different fees and I see this santa Barbara tax prduct is part of this, as I did not sign for this company to take this kinda money out of my return, so now I have to call them and the irs I want my money, and top of this our names were forged by the person that did our taxes

C
C
Crystal Harris
US
Mar 03, 2016 7:21 am EST

Well i usually don't do reviews but I had to this time. Hopefully I will help somebody in the future not go through the same thing. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! They are thieves. The hold our money and build interest. I used turbotax this year because I thought it would be more convenient. Next time i'm not going to be lazy and pay my fees upfront. My refund was sent to this institution by the irs. They have yet to claim that they have my money. I know it's 2016. It shouldn't take this long to electronically deposit. I have seen a number of review shaming this company. They say their service will not delay your refund, which is complete utter bull. It's past my refund date and I have yet to see my money with no explanation. They are false advertising. This shouldn't be legal.

R
R
rjent2
US
Apr 12, 2016 6:28 pm EDT

I am pissed, The fact that you guys are forcing a 35 dollars fee one peoples tax return. You bunch of greedy bas***d. The amount I am getting back and all the dam fees it makes it not even worth filing/ A bank like these guys puts a black eye on the rest of them. These type of people who run this bank needs to be run out off the country.. THIEVES!

Lavonne Gaddis
Lavonne Gaddis
US
Sep 28, 2016 12:19 pm EDT

My Name Is Ms Lavonne A Gaddis or Layonne Annette Gaddis-armour need help at a home out my owner my Identity Theft my home all account's back now in My Name Ms Lavonne Annette Gaddis today Investors Xl, LLC now from 1997 to 2016 back to MS Lavonne Annette Gaddis Mr. Brandon Leon Armour and Mr. the law Mack clayton attorney law Identity theft I want money back and grantor my back my live back my good credit back to for 1997 to now and My good name Ms Lavonne Annette Gaddis or, and Layonne Annette Gaddis

G
G
Ginny Howard
US
May 10, 2017 10:45 am EDT

Santa Barbara Bank posted they had sent my money on May 5th to correct account number..it was written where I could verify it. they said 1-2 business days. Day #4 no money. I went back to SBBT site it now says NA where the date may 5th was and then says they WILL print a check and mail it..WHY>? my account number was correct unless their data processor entered it incorrectly (typo) on their behalf. IDK anymore. How long does it take to print check and send it? SBBT never contacted me to tell me jack ### about even having my $. They never asked me for ID or SS card!

S
S
Sally King
US
Mar 23, 2020 6:27 pm EDT

I'm a tax professional one of my clients refund was sent to Santa Barbara Bank by mistake and every number I called its a recording this is ridiculous I would not advise anyone to use their services

B
B
Breanna McPherson
US
Feb 27, 2021 10:26 am EST

This is my 1st year doing this! Don’t do it. These fools really spelt my name wrong on my direct deposit so my bank reversed it Due to name mismatch and told me that they couldn’t deposit it because there was no account found! The lies... now I’m waiting for a check.

T
T
Traci Jameson
Lawton, Oklahoma, US
Sep 16, 2021 11:05 am EDT

How long did it take you to get your check? This happened to me. Ugh

L
L
Ladonna Arrington
US
Mar 04, 2022 12:04 pm EST

DO NOT USE TURBOTAX OR SBTPG!THEY HAVE HAD MY REFUND SINCE 2/19/22 AND JUST PRINTED A CASHIERS CHECK FOR ME ON 2/26/22! THEY PUT IN THE WRONG BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION (I check and verified with my bank and TurboTax. I put my info in correctly. The bank never got anything.) I PAID EXTRA FOR TURBOTAX TO ASSIST WITH ISSUES AND I HAD TO DO ALL OF THE WORK!

S
S
SiriusB Soul
US
Mar 09, 2022 8:10 pm EST

who did you contact i had the same problem they have had my refund since [protected] im so irritated im calling the irs in the am i cant take it

S
S
Shiiboujii
Indianapolis, US
Mar 16, 2022 8:33 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Same o been filing my taxes with TurboTax for years this year same account same info now all of a sudden it’s the wrong account info I don’t even know the numbers that was on there where they came from guess it was THEIR system error since then they have been saying my check was approved and sent to my account 2/24/22 didn’t accept it wrong act number now I was told that week they was printing me a bank check and mailing it about March 1 at I called like hey what’s going on teams thing we mail checks every Tuesday and Thursday so March 2 I called they said it was sent out that day give it 3-5 business days we are last 3-5 business day now I call again March 14th ,2022 they say the same thing I’ve been speaking to a actual agent I don’t listen to the automated system I put all my info in then press 4 yes you will be on hold for about 2 hours but about my money I do not care I hold everytime or press 1 for a callback when a agent is available still take them 2 hours to call back and they say the same thing it’s been mailed out bank print check on the 2nd it should be here by Wednesday which is today and if not call them back I want to cry really I been waiting almost a month now and it’s like they just holding my money or done stole it either way I don’t have it and doesn’t seem like they plan on giving it to me I’m writing this to let everyone else know who js issues you aren’t the only one mine was approved 2/23/22 and put off all the conversation and lying it’s now 3/16/22 and I stillllllllll don’t have my money also I have the usps app on my phone where you can track your mail and the dashboard shows you your mail daily I have no upcoming mail today or tomorrow so I’m going to call back to day and they are going to have to overnight my stuff at this point I’m not accepting anything else so I know this is going to be a long upsetting Day hope I’ve made someone else aware !

N
N
Naomi Parker
US
Mar 17, 2022 8:10 pm EDT

Did you receive your check?

W
W
Wandalize Rios
US
Mar 28, 2022 8:28 am EDT
Replying to comment of Shiiboujii

Any updates. I still haven’t received muñes ddd 2/24

B
B
Brirtney Thomas
US
Feb 24, 2023 9:03 pm EST

So did you receive ur check

B
B
Brirtney Thomas
US
Feb 24, 2023 9:04 pm EST

Did u ever receive your check a was it TurboTax who assist you with that ?

F
F
Fustrated713
Houston, US
Mar 14, 2022 8:08 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We will NEVER use TURBO TAX ever again. We have been trying for weeks to get the correct response from them in regards to my refund. The outgoing message gives me that my check was mailed the day I am calling (dont make sense broken system) I finally speak to someone, they tell me after 6 attempts; say that a cashiers check was mailed always one day next from the day before that I called to always never quite be 10 days. Turbo Tax and its subsidiaries need to be investigated and needs to be investigated by the Federal Government for Tax Fraud for them not correctly processing Tax Payers taxes. There is a SERIOUS problem with SBTPG! To this day we still have not received our refund. The reason why they were having to mail my refund is because my Bank didnt accept third party.

W
W
Wandalize Rios
US
Mar 18, 2022 7:47 am EDT

I am also in the same boat. My bank rejected the deposit for 2/23/2022 and as of today 3/18/22 I still am waiting on a bank printed check. I was told it was sent out 3/3/2022, even the wish packages get here faster. Not sure what to do at this point. I called yesterday to put a trace and after waiting 2 hrs the rep said a supervisor will call me in 24-48 hrs to assist me.

C
C
Christine Marie F
Peru, US
Mar 21, 2022 11:20 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Same thing happened to me on 2/24/2022. I am still waiting as well. Have you received yours yet?

S
S
ShaRon Holland
US
Mar 21, 2022 10:46 pm EDT

Same here...have you got it yet?

W
W
Wandalize Rios
US
Mar 28, 2022 8:26 am EDT

Nope as of today nothing

W
W
Wandalize Rios
US
Mar 28, 2022 8:26 am EDT

Still waiting. My ddd was 2/24

L
L
Latasha Wallace
US
Mar 31, 2022 11:45 am EDT

Did you receive it yet?

L
L
Latasha Wallace
US
Mar 31, 2022 12:08 pm EDT

Same here. Did you receive it yet?

L
L
Latasha Wallace
US
Apr 07, 2022 8:04 am EDT

Have you heard anything about your check?

A
A
Ashley Floyd
US
Mar 22, 2022 5:53 pm EDT

It took them 12 years to resolve this !?

J
J
Jessica Tatum
US
Mar 25, 2022 1:42 am EDT

I received my taxes through sbtpg 03-05-22. They sent it to the bank on the 03-09-22 . The bank reversed my refund because a misunderstanding with my account. They sent it back to sbtpg . So I been calling and emailing this company that holding my money. When I called speak with someone, they are rude and very disrespectful. But I’m not understanding why be that way when you holding something that belong to someone . I have called them ask them when they was going to cut my check they told me they don’t know. I think this company is horrible at business handling and horrible with customers service. I will never again use this company or advise anyone to use sbtpg . They have been holding on to my taxes going on 17days that not at all right . I will be calling the IRS to get them involved to see what can be done.

W
W
Wandalize Rios
US
Mar 28, 2022 1:07 pm EDT

DDD 2/24 still no check!

S
S
Sheax79
Dothan, US
Apr 06, 2022 2:21 pm EDT

Same here! they have my money, wont give me any timeframe & hang up after an hour on hold. Man, wtf is going on w this company?

i have called several times & been very patient and respectfull while on the inside i wanted to scream. Every single time i was just told "its in process" ... For the first few weeks, they had a different story x time i called. Felt like an idiot hitting that mailbox on the daily, lol.

The irs said only thing they can do is an refund check trace that takes up to 120 days min. Bet i wont screw up my bank info next time, for sure! best of luck to all u guys in same boat.

N
N
Nathaniel Hernandez
US
Apr 18, 2022 2:29 pm EDT

Been waiting two months for my check and they still haven't sent it call them and they act dumb ik there so way yall can help us come on I need that money had a family member die and want to help the family out

  1. Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] Contacts

  2. Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] phone numbers
    +1 (800) 779-7228
    +1 (800) 779-7228
    Click up if you have successfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 779-7228 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 779-7228 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 779-7228 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 779-7228 phone number
    +1 (800) 901-6663
    +1 (800) 901-6663
    Click up if you have successfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 901-6663 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 901-6663 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 901-6663 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] by calling +1 (800) 901-6663 phone number
    Taxpayer Support
  3. Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] emails
  4. Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] address
    11085 N. Torrey Pines Rd. Suite 210, La Jolla, California, 92037, United States
  5. Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] social media
  6. Stan
    Checked and verified by Stan This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Oct 29, 2024
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] Category
Santa Barbara Tax Products Group [SBTPG] is ranked 11 among 102 companies in the Tax Services category