Ogilvy New York and H&R Block have gone for the jugular in their new campaign. The commercial calls out Turbo Tax directly on its ad claim, “Don’t do your taxes,” and campaign that suggests people use its online service so that they are free to enjoy other things in life.

The consequences of following H&R Block’s rival’s advice are humorous – but also a wake-up call for people that the they can be very disappointing. Using classic anonymous witness technique amps up the power of H&R Block’s intended reality check:

The new commercial follows Ogilvy New York’s (much lighter) It’s Tax Season, which was more in line with Turbo Tax’s blithe optimism for tax time. It’s Tax Time was the agency’s first major work for the brand after winning the account in late September last year.

Credits:

Client: H&R Block
Chief Marketing & Experience Officer: Jill Cress 
Vice President, Corporate Communications: Angela Davied 
Director of Advertising & Creative Studio: Wendy Fitch

Agency: Ogilvy New York
President Ogilvy Advertising North America: Chris Beresford-Hill 
Chief Creative Officer, New York: Menno Kluin 
Group Executive Creative Directors: Steve Fogel & Doug Fallon
Creative Directors: Todd Bradley & Harry Barron
Associate Creative Directors: Andy Truong & Sarah Arrington
Junior Designer: Nathan Kim
Senior Creative Project Manager: Juliana Leandra 
Senior Producer: Regan Wallace 
Producer: Jessica Ryle
Senior Business Manager: Deborah Steeg 
Executive Partner, Global Chief of Staff: Stephanie Ricke
Executive Group Director: Emily Maier 
Executive Vice President: Drew Warren
Senior Vice President: Stefanie Schmit
Account Director: Rebecca Taylor
Group Strategy Director: Iris Coldibelli

Executive Post Producer: Ned Martin
Senior Post Producer: Jennefer Frangella
Editor: Alexandra Smith
Animator: Vanessa Di Staulo
Assistant Editor: Magdalynn Nowotarski
VP Director of Audio: Dante DeSole
Senior Audio Engineer: Collin Blendell