Don't Mess With Taxes

I admit it. I watch TV commercials even when I'm viewing a taped program. Some ads are better than the so-called entertainment programs. And sometimes I need the break to take care of other things, like getting a snack.

And I always look forward to tax season to see how today's Mad Men position tax-filing services.

H&R Block has been paying attention, too, and thinks the television spots of one its competitors was a slap at its employees.

Unfortunately for Block, a federal judge disagrees.

U.S. District Judge Fernando J. Gaitan, Jr. of the Western District of Missouri has denied H&R Block's request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against two commercials for Intuit's TurboTax software.

The Intuit ads' premise is that some tax preparers are part-timers. In one, a woman recognizes a clothing store employee who earlier had done the shopper's taxes. The other features a tax preparer turned plumber.

The ads then tell TV viewers that TurboTax users seeking personal help with their computer-based filings get it from from CPAs, Enrolled Agents and tax attorneys that Intuit hires to provide tax advice to customers.

Neither ad mentions any other tax preparation service by name, but three H&R Block divisions took umbrage. They filed suit in federal court in an effort to have the ads pulled.

H&R Block CEO Bill Cobb also got involved, writing emails to employees and franchise owners and sending an open letter to clients.

And one of the firm's founders was featured on a social media campaign, Twitter's #IAmHRBlock posts, to personalize the tax preparation giant's employees.

Gaitan, however, ruled that Block failed to show the ads were false or deceptive.

Intuit obviously was happy with the judge's ruling. "We are very pleased with today's decision and will continue to vigorously defend these truthful ads," said Dan Maurer, general manager and senior vice president of Intuit's Consumer Tax Group, in a statement.

So the battle for tax clients continues, both in real life and via ads on small screens across America.

Tax season is lawsuit season: Speaking of tax-related lawsuits, the Internal Revenue Service's legal battle against three tax preparers who object to the agency's registration and competency testing plan continues.

After losing the first round when a District of Columbia federal judge struck down the IRS plan, the IRS indicated it would appeal the decision and asked the judge to lift his injunction, at least temporarily, against registration of tax preparers.

The Institute for Justice, which is representing the tax preparers, has filed its response to the IRS' request.

Now we wait for further word from the D.C. court.

Ain't tax filing and legal proceedings fun?

You also might find these items of interest:

• Checking out your tax professional
• What do you pay for professional tax preparation and filing help?
• Classic Willie Nelson H&R Block commercial