Newer Reviews:
Go here to see my current Yelp! page.
A Square customer wrote on 2/6/2105:
Russ Emmons provides excellent service. His work is fast, accurate and thorough. Working with him is always a pleasure.
A Square customer wrote on 2/6/2015:
Russ is great! Use him every year!
Judy M. wrote on 2/2/2015:
I worked with Russ at H&R Blook in Hillcrest for nearly all of the ten years I lived in San Diego. Had I not left the state I would have followed him to his new business. I went back year after year because Russ was not only a pleasure to work with but just as important I trusted him and his work. I believe Russ has the knowledge and expertise needed to take care of anything I could throw at him. The world of taxes is not my forte, in fact it makes me crazy, so I would organize my business records, then Russ would work with me making the tax prep experience one I walked away from smiling. I highly recommend Russ.
A Square customer wrote on 9/5/2014:
The most helpful and friendly accountant I have ever dealt with. Really a pleasure to work with.
Some reviews from Yelp! while I worked for my prior company:
Jenna R. wrote on 6/4/2012:
We have been going to Russ Emmons at the Hillcrest office for many years now. Seriously, we cannot say enough about how awesome he is. He is phenomenal at what he does not to mention a genuinely nice guy. I have started my own business in the time that we have been going to him and he has been beyond helpful; answering my crazy questions by email, teaching me tricks in Quickbooks and just making sure im setting up best practices. our taxes were particularly complicated this past year and we really thought we might owe. not only did Russ get all of our stuff done (without us having to sit there forever) but our refund was very surprising. we were VERY happy to say the least. we have no problem around tax season and never feel stressed out. i am pretty positive it is because we know Russ has our back.
Rodney H. wrote on 4/18/2012:
I'd give 5 stars if it was not the fact that this was for taxes. Our Tax Advisor Russ was extremely knowledegable especially when it came to figuring out all of our difficult situations that were compounded by our RDP status! This office is super friendly, and very LGBT aware. This is the only place I would go for getting my taxes done in a welcoming and positive environment.
Pet L. wrote on 2/22/2012:
Russ Emmons is a very pleasant person to work with. Good sense of humor, affable style, plus, he knows what he is doing. I will go back again next year. Thanks, Russ!
David D. wrote on 2/20/2012:
This is the fourth year I've worked with Russ Emmons at H&R Block and it doesn't get any better than this. He is warm and friendly, professional, well-prepared, accurate and thorough. It is reassuring to work with someone who knows my previous tax history since tax-time always makes me anxious. Russ's gentle humor always manages to put me at ease.
Russ was recommended to me by a neighbor who has used him for many years with complete satisfaction. I add my recommendation to hers!
Russ was recommended to me by a neighbor who has used him for many years with complete satisfaction. I add my recommendation to hers!
Bonnie B. wrote on 02/15/2012:
My husband and I worked with Russ Emmons on our 2011 taxes and were incredibly pleased with the service we received. We were pleasantly surprised with our refund, and also learned quite a bit about the tax process. The fees were reasonable, as well. Well worth every penny!
Joshua L. wrote on 2/14/2012:
We were very luck to find Russ Emmons at H&R Block at the Uptown, Hillcrest, San Diego location. The transaction was very clear and professional through the entire process, specifically:
1) Russ explained clearly the client services agreement and the payment structure.
2) He carefully reviewed all of my documentation and helped explain where additional materials were needed.
3) He provided a clear time frame in which the returns would be ready.
4) He demonstrated mastery in an area of new law, namely returns filed for persons wtih either Registered Domestic Partnership/Same Sex Marriage as residents of CA filing federal returns and carefully explained the manner in which these returns were handled. Persons in this situation should CLEARLY seek out a professional such as Russ as he has very significant expertise and experience in these filings. He helped us identify opportunities on prior return years as well!
5) He kept me informed of the progress via email.
6) When we returned for final return review, he very carefully explained the return and allowed us to have all questions answered.
7) The additional support staff was welcoming and gracious.
The entire experience far exceeded our expectations and I will be recommending him to all of my colleagues/friends.
Josh L and Daniel B
1) Russ explained clearly the client services agreement and the payment structure.
2) He carefully reviewed all of my documentation and helped explain where additional materials were needed.
3) He provided a clear time frame in which the returns would be ready.
4) He demonstrated mastery in an area of new law, namely returns filed for persons wtih either Registered Domestic Partnership/Same Sex Marriage as residents of CA filing federal returns and carefully explained the manner in which these returns were handled. Persons in this situation should CLEARLY seek out a professional such as Russ as he has very significant expertise and experience in these filings. He helped us identify opportunities on prior return years as well!
5) He kept me informed of the progress via email.
6) When we returned for final return review, he very carefully explained the return and allowed us to have all questions answered.
7) The additional support staff was welcoming and gracious.
The entire experience far exceeded our expectations and I will be recommending him to all of my colleagues/friends.
Josh L and Daniel B
Maye R. wrote on 2/13/2012:
First time I use H&R Block and it was a great experience! I walked in and was greeted and welcomed right away by Russ Emmons. He asked me a few questions, gave me a simple breakdown of their price and services. He told me to stop by in two days to pick up my completed taxes, which I did. I was in and out of there in less than 5 minutes and I'm 100% satisfied with his service. I did have a few questions before I picked up my taxes, so I emailed Russ and he replied quickly and answered all my questions. I highly recommend Russ Emmons at H&R Block. Very professional and a pleasure to work with.
Jose H. wrote on 2/11/2012:
H&R block in Hillcrest provided me with the best service and expeditious process. Russ was very knowledgeable and attentive to my scenario while dedicating an outstanding proactive approach. He even assisted me with an IRS letter sent to me in error and fixed it!! A must come back next year!
Bryan S. wrote on 2/4/2012:
Russ was awesome! Helped answer my 1099 questions and complete all the forms, copies, in envelops already, ready to be mailed out! Very thorough, very professional, very knowledgeable. Great experience and will let everyone that asks me about taxes to call Russ! Thanks for your fast attention to my last minute task.
Anne B. wrote on 2/4/2012:
I have been working with Senior Tax Advisor, Russ Emmons for six years now and would highly recommend him to everyone. Not only is he very personable, but his education and business credentials are stellar.
I have tried "free" online tax return services in the past but now I wouldn't go back because I know I am getting the very best value with Russ. You can't compare the freebies to a financial and tax law expert. He really did get me more money. A lot.
He showed me how to open a traditional IRA (easy!). It feels great to know I have some investments set for my future (This is a no pressure option that you have with H&R Block).
Each year, I tell my friends to go see him, now I'm telling all the Yelpers.
I have tried "free" online tax return services in the past but now I wouldn't go back because I know I am getting the very best value with Russ. You can't compare the freebies to a financial and tax law expert. He really did get me more money. A lot.
He showed me how to open a traditional IRA (easy!). It feels great to know I have some investments set for my future (This is a no pressure option that you have with H&R Block).
Each year, I tell my friends to go see him, now I'm telling all the Yelpers.
Lauren O. wrote on 4/8/2011:
This is my third year using H&R Block for my taxes and my first year at this location, as I just moved cross country from CT to CA. I worked with Russ Emmons after reading another Yelp Review stating that he was very proficient with multiple state returns. The review was totally accurate. Russ was extremely knowledgeable in regard to complicated returns, complex deductions, and proper procedure for possible errors made on out-of-state W-2s (thanks NY!). Russ took his time (even though it was a Saturday evening) and explained ALL of the details to me in a way that made sense. He made sure that when I left, I had clear information/instructions about how much I owed and how much I would receive. I am extremely satisfied with the service I received and would highly recommend booking an appointment with Russ if you have a complicated return to file.
David C. wrote on 3/3/2011:
Good lord, where do I begin...
Moved back from the hell that is Texas a year ago, but instead of foreclosing on my home, I decided to keep & rent it out. Well, little did the IRS tell me was that the $7500 tax "credit" you receive from buying a home in 2008 was actually an interest free loan. Well, I moved back to beautiful San Diego, & the IRS told me I had to pay back the loan now. Holy crap!!! I started to do my own taxes and when I was getting close to the end, I was owing close to $6000 and getting nothing back from California State taxes...
I searched for help, and have had good luck with H&R Block in the past, so looked them up again... And where else to you begin your search but on Yelp...
Living in Hillcrest, I looked local & saw a bunch of glowing reviews about Russ Emmons at the H&R Block on University. I quickly scheduled an appointment, sweating the worst.
After our initial meeting, Russ had me down to owing just over $5000 to Federal, a savings of $1000, as well as getting a little back from California State.
Tonight we completed. I'm down to only owing $4174 and got back over $1000 from California, for a whopping swing of over $3000 vice me doing my taxes myself.
I was so compelled that I actually hugged Russ when I left. He really got me out of a jam.
His professionalism and attention to detail is amazing, and his personality is infectious.
I have found my new tax guy, and his name is Russ Emmons. He is a true asset to H&R Block...
Thank you,
David
Moved back from the hell that is Texas a year ago, but instead of foreclosing on my home, I decided to keep & rent it out. Well, little did the IRS tell me was that the $7500 tax "credit" you receive from buying a home in 2008 was actually an interest free loan. Well, I moved back to beautiful San Diego, & the IRS told me I had to pay back the loan now. Holy crap!!! I started to do my own taxes and when I was getting close to the end, I was owing close to $6000 and getting nothing back from California State taxes...
I searched for help, and have had good luck with H&R Block in the past, so looked them up again... And where else to you begin your search but on Yelp...
Living in Hillcrest, I looked local & saw a bunch of glowing reviews about Russ Emmons at the H&R Block on University. I quickly scheduled an appointment, sweating the worst.
After our initial meeting, Russ had me down to owing just over $5000 to Federal, a savings of $1000, as well as getting a little back from California State.
Tonight we completed. I'm down to only owing $4174 and got back over $1000 from California, for a whopping swing of over $3000 vice me doing my taxes myself.
I was so compelled that I actually hugged Russ when I left. He really got me out of a jam.
His professionalism and attention to detail is amazing, and his personality is infectious.
I have found my new tax guy, and his name is Russ Emmons. He is a true asset to H&R Block...
Thank you,
David
Brad W. wrote on 3/3/2011:
I am glad I did this. I have been doing my own taxes for years and finally decided to cut the cord and turn it over to a Pro. Russ did great, led the way and answered all the questions, taking out the guesswork for me. That's the best part.
Dan L. wrote on 3/2/2011:
This is the second year I worked with H&R Block. In the past I had done taxes on my own, but given the specific complexity I was facing, I wanted to include a professional.
I worked with Russ Emmons who was nothing short of phenomenal. He navigated everything with ease and I have total confidence that he maximized my returns.
I worked with Russ Emmons who was nothing short of phenomenal. He navigated everything with ease and I have total confidence that he maximized my returns.
Brendan D. wrote on 3/1/2011:
Russ has done our taxes for several years now. He is always very thorough and knowledgeable. A pleasure to work with and highly recommended.
Amanda G. wrote on 2/14/2011:
I have seen Russ for 2 tax years now. Last year he helped me with a very complicated multi-state return and got me back much more money than I had anticipated. This year I wasnt so successful with my refund but he gave me many tips so that I can avoid being over-taxed and under-refunded in the future. He is very friendly and extremely competent. Even though I spent much of my refund on his fee I will most likely return to him for years to come. If you have a small refund I would recommend asking him to take a look at it before you go in there and get charged.. which of course he is willing to do! Thanks Russ!
Wendy S. wrote on 2/11/2011:
I just wanted to take a moment to recommend Russ Emmons at H&R Block for his help with doing my taxes this year. Having recently started a small business, taken an early distribution from an IRA account, and purchased a home about 6 months ago, my taxes were quite complicated this year. Russ did a great job; however, of helping me to understand all of the tax implications involved and with his expertise managed to get me a great refund! I would highly recommend his services.
Annaleis W. wrote on 2/10/2011:
I have gone to Russ for 6 years now. He is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. I recommend him to any of my friends looking for help on their taxes.
Carl M. wrote on 2/6/2011:
Thank you Russ for making an experience that is usually painful and full of some kind of dread, one of ease and delight!
Steve F. wrote on 2/6/2011:
Mr. Russ Emmons is friendly and efficient.
Thank you Russ for making this experience less painful.
Steve
Thank you Russ for making this experience less painful.
Steve
Curtis B. wrote on 2/4/2011:
Russ did an excellent job with our taxes. He took the tim eto understand our needs and spent time to look for the best options explaining everything each step of the way.
Alana H. wrote on 2/2/2011:
Russ is awesome!! He's really a pleasure to work with, obviously knows what he's doing. He even offered to look at a previous year free of charge.
I found him on accident and will come back to him next year!! THANKS!!
I found him on accident and will come back to him next year!! THANKS!!
Chris C. wrote on 1/29/2011:
Russ is a pleasure to work with. I had a fairly complicated tax situation, but he made it very easy. He's charming and personable and very easy to work with, always asking the right questions about deductions and securing your maximum rebate dollars. I can't recommend Russ more highly.
Leah R. wrote on 1/27/2011:
Doing taxes is a pleasure with Russ. I've recommended him to friends and we all really enjoy our appointments with him. We look forward to more. He goes above and beyond our expectations and I no longer have to worry about tax season.
Thank you Russ!
Thank you Russ!
Michelle J. wrote on 1/26/2011:
It is always a pleasure to work with Russ. We always look forward to january and our meeting with him! Thank you Russ as you always exceed out expectations and your customer service is AMAZING!! See you again in 2012.
Anthony M. wrote on 1/14/2011:
Russ has been doing my taxes for the past few years and i am always satisfied with his work. i reccomend anyone to go see Russ at H&R Block if they want wonderful customer service and a great smile.