Reviewed by U. Seth Ottensoser, Trial Attorney at Morgan & Morgan, on September 19, 2024
Filing your taxes online can be a fast and convenient way to wrap up your fiscal year—but what if your tax service provider was letting other corporations spy on you while you do your taxes? These companies could learn about how much money you earn, how many people are in your family or household, and other private—even sensitive—information.
In today’s digital world, the privacy of your personal information is paramount. However, a recent lawsuit against H&R Block brings into question how well that privacy is being protected. The tax preparation giant is facing allegations of improperly sharing sensitive customer data with tech giants like Google and Meta without consent. For affected consumers, this case highlights significant concerns about data privacy and the legal rights available to them.
If you think you’ve been affected by H&R Block’s unpermitted data sharing, contact Morgan & Morgan, America’s largest personal injury law firm, to learn more about your options.
Qualifying for a Claim
Those eligible for a claim must:
- Have an H&R Block account
- Have used H&R Block's website (www.hrblock.com) to prepare and file your 2021 tax return
What Do I Need to Sign Up?
You will need the following information to complete your claim:
- Your personal contact information (name, address, email, and phone number)
- Email and phone number associated with your H&R Block account
What’s the H&R Block Lawsuit About?
H&R Block, along with other major tax preparation companies, is accused of sharing personal financial data with third parties, including Google and Meta (formerly Facebook), without clear consent. According to the lawsuit, the information shared includes:
- Tax Returns and Filing Data
- Income Information
- Social Security Numbers
The lawsuit alleges that H&R Block used tracking tools and analytics that allowed tech companies to collect data from unsuspecting customers. This practice potentially violated federal and state laws that protect sensitive financial and tax-related information. The plaintiffs argue that this data sharing was done without adequate disclosure and without obtaining explicit consent from customers.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
For millions of Americans who rely on H&R Block for tax preparation, the unauthorized sharing of their financial data could lead to serious consequences, including:
- Privacy Violations: Customers expect their tax information to remain confidential. Sharing this data with third parties is a serious breach of that trust.
- Targeted Advertising: The shared data could be used for targeted advertising, with customers unknowingly contributing to the massive data economy driven by companies like Google and Meta.
- Potential Identity Theft: Financial information in the wrong hands can be used for identity theft, leading to financial loss and long-term credit damage.
The lawsuit also raises broader concerns about how tech companies are using personal data in ways that may be intrusive and harmful to consumers.
What Legal Rights Do Consumers Have?
When companies like H&R Block violate privacy laws or breach their duty to protect customer data, those affected may have the right to seek compensation. The lawsuit against H&R Block could lead to substantial settlements for affected individuals, as well as stricter regulations on how companies handle sensitive financial data.
Potential claims in this case may include:
- Invasion of Privacy: Compensation for the unauthorized sharing of private financial information.
- Breach of Contract: If H&R Block’s terms of service promised confidentiality but failed to deliver, customers could pursue breach of contract claims.
- Consumer Protection Violations: State and federal consumer protection laws could apply, providing additional avenues for legal action.
What Should I Do if I’m Affected?
If you’ve used H&R Block for tax preparation and are concerned about your information being shared without consent, contact Morgan & Morgan to have your story heard and to get legal advice for your next steps forward.
When companies fail to protect sensitive information, we fight to hold them accountable. Morgan & Morgan is committed to defending the rights of consumers and ensuring that businesses respect your privacy.
If you’ve been affected by H&R Block’s alleged data-sharing practices, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Morgan & Morgan today to learn more about your legal options and how we can help you fight for justice.