I came in the get an estimate for my business taxes from Genesis. I was advised that the estimate was to be done for free and that I would know the cost to do my taxes at the point in time that the estimate for the cost of work was completed. At the point that the estimate was completed, I did not want to proceed with Genesis so I sent my business partner down to their office to collect our paperwork and records. At that point I was told that there was a $150 fee for estimating work. This was not disclosed upfront. If it were disclosed upfront I would not have had Genesis do their estimate upfront. Subsequently, the company decided to keep my paperwork hostage until I paid the $150 fee - my business partner informed me of this. I told my partner that this was not disclosed to me upfront. Upon picking up the paperwork Genesis made my partner sign a document receipt form, which said at the bottom "by signing this form you are agreeing to pay the amount of $150. This fee will be waived if it is approved and paid for" In order to get our paperwork, we gave Genesis a check for $150.

Genesis needs to be investigated because this fee should be fully disclosed to clients upfront. Lack of upfront disclosure is not only a deceptive business practice but unscrupulous as well. I'm sure Genesis has perpetrated this on other consumers -who did not know where/how to find recourse.