MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The co-founder of Mo' Money Tax Service is going on the record after more than a week of turmoil, calls for federal and criminal investigations, and angry customers demanding their delayed tax returns.
"One thing about Mo' Money Taxes is we don't, we don't, quote unquote throw anybody else under no bus," said Markey Granberry, one of the co-founders of Mo' Money.
The tax preparer has been besieged with customer outrage and media coverage over delayed tax returns. Mo' Money insists the problem rests with the Internal Revenue Service and its software processor.
"We are just going to do a better job of regrouping, just do a total change for the next tax season," said Granberry.
In a wide-ranging interview, Granberry defended the fees his company charges. Mo' Money charges nearly $200 to prepare taxes, and an additional $190 to file them electronically.
"At the end of the day, a business has to be ran like a business, this is how I provide for my family, my employees have to be paid, that is how a business is ran," he said.
Mo' Money started as one store in Whitehaven, and has grown to more than 200 stores in 17 states.
Granberry said this recent wave of tax refund madness won't hurt his continued business. The IRS and the Norfolk Police Department's Economic Crimes Unit is investigating six Mo' Money locations in Norfolk. This week, investigators took computers, cell phones, and company files from the store.
"Not to play the race card at all, but they are going to come back to see me," he said.
Granberry might just know his customers best.
Vince Henderson said Mo' Money has prepared his family's taxes for the last 15 years. He was outside headquarters on Thursday morning, and said despite of the recent events, he'll remain a loyal Mo' Money customer.
"If I have had to file with them again next year, I'll file with them, they're good people. Good business," Henderson said.
Not everyone is happy though.
Kristi Johnson said waiting for her refund check has become its own full-time job.
"I've been up here for 2 days, from open to close, I'm actually here before they get here," she said. "I'm extremely frustrated, I need this money. I worked all year for it, and I deserve it."
"My people will come back to see me, these are my people, for the most part. They are going to come back to see me," Granberry said. "I believe that."
