Beckett v. H&R BLOCK, INC.

This case concerns “refund anticipation loans” (RALs) made to customers of the defendant tax preparers, H&R Block, Inc., H&R Block Tax Services, Inc., and H&R Block Eastern Tax Services, Inc. (collectively, Block). RALs are short-term demand loans to be repaid by the borrowers’ anticipated federal income tax refunds. Block has agreements with various banks to provide the loans. Block would advertise this service as part of its “Rapid Refund” program.

In order to obtain a RAL, a customer must file his or her tax return electronically through Block. The customer ■ also fills out a RAL…