Action 9 investigates allegations of misconduct at Orlando tax preparation company

ORLANDO,Fla. — An Orlando woman claims a tax preparation firm burned her for hundreds of dollars and wouldn't give her a copy of her own tax return.

“Can we get her some money back?” Action 9’s Todd Ulrich asked the owner of Wender Consulting.

“No, see, you're not willing to just sit,” Wender Monnely replied.

He said he always tells clients his tax prep fees are due up front.

Nancy Galvis said that wasn't what happened in her case.

“It's outrageous. Everybody I ask, (says) It's outrageous.”

Galvis told Action 9 that she turned over documents for a simple tax return.

After being delayed by weeks, she later discovered her $6,600 refund was sent to Wender Consulting's bank account.

The company kept $569 in fees, which was three times more than Galvis expected.

She said the company refused to explain its charges or give her a copy of the tax returns.

“It feels like he took advantage of the situation because I trusted him,” said Galvis.

Todd Ulrich went to the Orlando office for answers.

“I'm here about Nancy Galvis and what you charged for taxes,” said Ulrich.

“So she called you?” asked Monnely.

“Almost $600 for a simple return?” asked Ulrich.

“I didn't charge her $600,” Monnely said.

He also said it was a complicated return.

Without Galvis' permission, Monnely sent her tax return to Ulrich by email.

It included her social security number and her children's, and her income.

Monnely also pleaded no contest to organized insurance fraud in 2013.

“That's why you're here?” asked Monnely at his office.

“Between that and her return, yes,” replied Ulrich.

“Thanks so much guys,” replied Monnely as he closed the door.

Galvis still hasn't received a refund.

According to the IRS website, Monnely is not a registered tax preparer.

Galvis warned others to research tax preparation services before handing over their information so they won't end up in the same situation she has.

Cox Media Group