H & R Block hypocrites!

[Reena Pearson CPA]

I think it is interesting to note that H & R Block is suing over comments made by a TurboTax (tax product made by Intuit) commercial stating that more tax returns were done by TurboTax than by H & R Block when just last year, H & R Block made the same false claim that they (H & R Block) did more tax returns than CPA firms.

What the public needs to know is that the level of expertise provided by H & R Block practitioners is nowhere near the level of expertise provided by CPA's. H & R Block practitioners need only take a class and pass an exam. Many H & R Block practitioners have not had many years of experience. However, CPA's need to have a 5 year college degree and have passed a comprehensive 2 day CPA exam before they can practice. In addition, many states require at least two years of practical experience before they can practice as a CPA. This is why CPA's charge more than H & R Block - more education, more rigorous testing, and more experience.

I have also found in my experience that although H & R Block seems to do a fair job on basic tax returns, they seem to have problems with more complicated tax situations. I have had MANY clients come to me to not only do their current tax returns but to file previous years' amended returns because they felt that H & R Block filed their returns incorrectly and in every case, they were right.

So to all consumers, buyer beware - you get what you pay for in tax services.

[Debbie]

How true this is. Do not go the Taxcut route either. It is a product that is not completed. They do not even have a simple social security worksheet that they claim is e-file restricted due to the late release by the IRS excpet for this worksheet--it isnt true.

Plus--taxcut wont be able to get their updates ready until mid feb even though the forms are now out by the IRS.
From my conversations with the IRS--lots of people are calling and complaining about this software and after being on hold with H&R block for 2 hours and talking to 3 people each with a different story and reason--I am inclined to beleive the IRS.

Why are you messing with your loyal customers H&R block? So much for the value of e-file and early returns--yes?
I am 30$ in the hole with no options--simply hope to save someone else the aggravation.
Had I known--I would have filed a paper return--to late for me.

[Lynn in PA]

My Mom had a CPA firm miss a variety of items for her return as an early widow raising 5 children - from dep exemptions for a college aged child to revising her cost basis on her apartment building (and home) when my Dad died. The expertise of the individual varies widely and I think you need to have someone who has a personal and professional work ethic; a person who takes their time with the client; and someon who isn't afraid to say I don't know but I'll find out. We can argue all the way to eternity who likes CPA firms, and who likes the tax retailer firms, and who likes the low cost or free services out there, but what counts in the end is accuracy and an attitude that "we stand behind what we do".

[kris]

I agree lynn. I am required to take many classes each year to get certified to do taxes. I am only human and of course can make mistakes. But I believe in asking for help when I need it and to make the customer come first.

[Laura]

I work for H & R Block and I do agree that CPA have more experience. Since many offices are francised (meaning different owners) I can only speak of OUR office and how we handle things. We do have experienced workers, and we do make sure that if it's a difficult return it goes to those with that experience. Now while Block required a basic course and exam to begin working, you have to earn a certain number of hours each year for continuing education to keep working.

The ones to watch out for in my opinion is Jackson Hewitt and Liberty. Not because they are competition, but I WORKED for a Jackson Hewitt, and the only one in that office doing returns that had even taken a class was me. Even the manager hadn't taken a class, and we weren't the only office this was happening in. According to the district office, as long as you could read the questions on the screen you could do taxes, and that is NOT the case. I don't know if they have changed this policy (it was 9 years ago). But consumers must be careful...there is no licensing for tax preparers. I would welcome that actually!

Just my experience here in the midwest!

[Carrie Ohio]

Your information is wrong on the expertise of HR Block preparers. Yes ther is a basic course for the first year and you have to pass the final exam with 80% or better to even be considered for employment. It is not an easy test to pass. You also have to aquire a certain # of CEU's before the beginning of every tax season in order to be rehired and to advance. This usuall take up quite a bit of your summer nights if you have a day job and also alot of nights up through Christmas. This does not include the required IRS update classes that are usually on weekends. Each tax return is different. Some are simple and some take research which we gladly do free of charge as a service to our LOYAL clients or any other client. I have only touched on what we as tax preparers for HR must do to work for them. I personally have had to amend returns for clients who went to CPA's who were not required to attend any yearly update classes including MY OWN. I am very sorry if you have had a bad experience with an HR office but can tell you that you would only have had the best professional service available in ours. Our experience ranges from 1-32 years and returns are assigned accordingly. Our online professionals are also HIGHLY experienced.

Reena Pearson CPA wrote:

I think it is interesting to note that H & R Block is suing over comments made by a TurboTax (tax product made by Intuit) commercial stating that more tax returns were done by TurboTax than by H & R Block when just last year, H & R Block made the same false claim that they (H & R Block) did more tax returns than CPA firms.

What the public needs to know is that the level of expertise provided by H & R Block practitioners is nowhere near the level of expertise provided by CPA's. H & R Block practitioners need only take a class and pass an exam. Many H & R Block practitioners have not had many years of experience. However, CPA's need to have a 5 year college degree and have passed a comprehensive 2 day CPA exam before they can practice. In addition, many states require at least two years of practical experience before they can practice as a CPA. This is why CPA's charge more than H & R Block - more education, more rigorous testing, and more experience.

I have also found in my experience that although H & R Block seems to do a fair job on basic tax returns, they seem to have problems with more complicated tax situations. I have had MANY clients come to me to not only do their current tax returns but to file previous years' amended returns because they felt that H & R Block filed their returns incorrectly and in every case, they were right.

So to all consumers, buyer beware - you get what you pay for in tax services.

[E From CA]

Absolutely agree with you. Expertise? There is none. I will NEVER return to H&R Block.

[Darlyne]

I have worked for Block and now for Jackson Hewitt. I think I have be so misled by Block in the information they give to employees, about their products and the way they handle everything. I worked for them over 6 years and managed for them and decided I did not want to work for a company who did not stand behind their work. now as for Jackson Hewitt I find the program very
suitable for tax preperation. I am certified and am proud of it. I know some tax preps who dont know much but I know a lot who know more than some cpas, you really cant judge people like that. we have good and bad in every field of every job. so if you have had a bad time with one does not mean you will have a bad time
from all people in that same field. one bad apple does not spoil the whole bunch.

[Tricia]

Lynn in PA wrote:

My Mom had a CPA firm miss a variety of items for her return as an early widow raising 5 children - from dep exemptions for a college aged child to revising her cost basis on her apartment building (and home) when my Dad died. The expertise of the individual varies widely and I think you need to have someone who has a personal and professional work ethic; a person who takes their time with the client; and someon who isn't afraid to say I don't know but I'll find out. We can argue all the way to eternity who likes CPA firms, and who likes the tax retailer firms, and who likes the low cost or free services out there, but what counts in the end is accuracy and an attitude that "we stand behind what we do".

Try Liberty Tax Service. All offices are franchise owned, but corporate backed and all of our offices stand behind what they do.

[Tricia]

Laura wrote:

I work for H & R Block and I do agree that CPA have more experience. Since many offices are francised (meaning different owners) I can only speak of OUR office and how we handle things. We do have experienced workers, and we do make sure that if it's a difficult return it goes to those with that experience. Now while Block required a basic course and exam to begin working, you have to earn a certain number of hours each year for continuing education to keep working.

The ones to watch out for in my opinion is Jackson Hewitt and Liberty. Not because they are competition, but I WORKED for a Jackson Hewitt, and the only one in that office doing returns that had even taken a class was me. Even the manager hadn't taken a class, and we weren't the only office this was happening in. According to the district office, as long as you could read the questions on the screen you could do taxes, and that is NOT the case. I don't know if they have changed this policy (it was 9 years ago). But consumers must be careful...there is no licensing for tax preparers. I would welcome that actually!

Just my experience here in the midwest!

Not sure why you need to watch out for Liberty? All of our preparers are required to go thru a basic course and the returns in our office go thru someone with 18 years of tax experience BEFORE they are sent out. As I understand, this is pretty much the norm for Liberty Offices.

[Tricia]

Carrie Ohio wrote:

Your information is wrong on the expertise of HR Block preparers. Yes ther is a basic course for the first year and you have to pass the final exam with 80% or better to even be considered for employment. It is not an easy test to pass. You also have to aquire a certain # of CEU's before the beginning of every tax season in order to be rehired and to advance. This usuall take up quite a bit of your summer nights if you have a day job and also alot of nights up through Christmas. This does not include the required IRS update classes that are usually on weekends. Each tax return is different. Some are simple and some take research which we gladly do free of charge as a service to our LOYAL clients or any other client. I have only touched on what we as tax preparers for HR must do to work for them. I personally have had to amend returns for clients who went to CPA's who were not required to attend any yearly update classes including MY OWN. I am very sorry if you have had a bad experience with an HR office but can tell you that you would only have had the best professional service available in ours. Our experience ranges from 1-32 years and returns are assigned accordingly. Our online professionals are also HIGHLY experienced.

<quoted text>

I worked in a district office and must say that while the tests and hours are required, most preparers LIE about taking them. They cheat on the tests and it is allowed ( at least in three districts I know of). Sure it looks good on paper, but from personal experience, it isn't how things are.

[Deb Fort Wayne]

Are you all aware the HSBC stands for Household bank of China. Yes that is correct. Blocks business is being shipped overseas. Now is that good. I dont think so. As for the person who takes the classes. If you are in a corporate owned store the hours and test scores are put in by a person and anything can happen. I know I did the job for 5 years before I left the company. All employees run don't walk from the office and either go to a competitor or start your own. But get out!

[Tanya]

Hello,
I am a 5 year H&R Block tax preparer. I have an associate's degree and bachelor's degree both in accounting. I also possess a master's degree, and I am studying to become a CPA. The tax experience that I have gained while working for H&R Block has been beneficial to me. I learned several things that I did not learn working my day job in the accounting field. The level of expertise of H&R Block tax preparers is comparable when completing certian types of returns. I have reviewed returns completed by CPA firms and other tax offices, and have found mistakes as well as deductions that should not have been allowed. However, we all make mistakes and no one is infallible. But for many who choose not to complete their own return, or do not know where to go, H&R Block is their answer.

Reena Pearson CPA wrote:

I think it is interesting to note that H & R Block is suing over comments made by a TurboTax (tax product made by Intuit) commercial stating that more tax returns were done by TurboTax than by H & R Block when just last year, H & R Block made the same false claim that they (H & R Block) did more tax returns than CPA firms.

What the public needs to know is that the level of expertise provided by H & R Block practitioners is nowhere near the level of expertise provided by CPA's. H & R Block practitioners need only take a class and pass an exam. Many H & R Block practitioners have not had many years of experience. However, CPA's need to have a 5 year college degree and have passed a comprehensive 2 day CPA exam before they can practice. In addition, many states require at least two years of practical experience before they can practice as a CPA. This is why CPA's charge more than H & R Block - more education, more rigorous testing, and more experience.

I have also found in my experience that although H & R Block seems to do a fair job on basic tax returns, they seem to have problems with more complicated tax situations. I have had MANY clients come to me to not only do their current tax returns but to file previous years' amended returns because they felt that H & R Block filed their returns incorrectly and in every case, they were right.

So to all consumers, buyer beware - you get what you pay for in tax services.

[Gary]

Yes CPA's have more education in accounting but few if any have as much formal training in Taxes. Most states do not require much tax law training to become a CPA. If I had the fees charged by the CPA's on every return, I have had to fix because of Stupid CPA errors, I could buy a new car. On the other hand an Enrolled Agent must pass a very hard 2 day test administered by the IRS on nothing but tax law. I must, however, defend H & R Blocks prepares, at least Block has an excellent tax training course for its preparers and all new preparers must pass this course with an 80% over all score, and H & R Block requires continuing education of 30 credit hours in tax related topics each year to remain a preparer. The other main tax chains have little if any requirements to become a tax preparer let alone continuing education requirements. Its easy to attack the largest provider of tax services since they are the most visable but in most states you do not need even a business licence to become a preparer and take money from unsuspecting customers. If you really want to do a favor for the public require minimum licencing and regulation for all preparers. And make it unlawful to prepare someone elses returns unless you are licenced for money. There would be very few people except Block Preparers and Enrolled agents left to help prepare the nations tax returns.

[Gary]

You are an Idiot. You should think before you talk or at least find out the facts. HSBC is not Household Finance. It happens to be probably the largest bank in the World with assets approximating our national debt. You might want to look it up. It is a foreign bank, but has nothing to do with H & R Block except providing the funding for their popular Refund Anticipation Loan program as most other banks do not have the assets or resources necessary to provide the service. They also provide these services to some Jackson Hewitt and Liberty tax offices as well as other smaller independant tax professionals. Federal law prohibits H & R Block or any of its subsidaries from providing this service so it isn't any part of H & R Block or one of its subsidaries.

[Tricia]

Gary wrote:

You are an Idiot. You should think before you talk or at least find out the facts. HSBC is not Household Finance. It happens to be probably the largest bank in the World with assets approximating our national debt. You might want to look it up. It is a foreign bank, but has nothing to do with H & R Block except providing the funding for their popular Refund Anticipation Loan program as most other banks do not have the assets or resources necessary to provide the service. They also provide these services to some Jackson Hewitt and Liberty tax offices as well as other smaller independant tax professionals. Federal law prohibits H & R Block or any of its subsidaries from providing this service so it isn't any part of H & R Block or one of its subsidaries.

Speaking of getting the facts before you talk...... HSBC IS Household bank of CHina. It says so right on the loan app from H & R Block. Beyond that, I own a liberty and we do not use HSBC ( at least not in Indiana).

[Tricia]

Gary wrote:

Yes CPA's have more education in accounting but few if any have as much formal training in Taxes. Most states do not require much tax law training to become a CPA. If I had the fees charged by the CPA's on every return, I have had to fix because of Stupid CPA errors, I could buy a new car. On the other hand an Enrolled Agent must pass a very hard 2 day test administered by the IRS on nothing but tax law. I must, however, defend H & R Blocks prepares, at least Block has an excellent tax training course for its preparers and all new preparers must pass this course with an 80% over all score, and H & R Block requires continuing education of 30 credit hours in tax related topics each year to remain a preparer. The other main tax chains have little if any requirements to become a tax preparer let alone continuing education requirements. Its easy to attack the largest provider of tax services since they are the most visable but in most states you do not need even a business licence to become a preparer and take money from unsuspecting customers. If you really want to do a favor for the public require minimum licencing and regulation for all preparers. And make it unlawful to prepare someone elses returns unless you are licenced for money. There would be very few people except Block Preparers and Enrolled agents left to help prepare the nations tax returns.

Again, there are ways to get around the testing required by block. I know, I have seen it first hand. It happens in district offices across the nation. I have personally, witnessed a preparer LIE ABOUT HER TIME (the district manager knew about it too) She did not complete her 30 hours or pass her test and is currently an office leader with HRB. SO like I said before, these "requirements" look good on paper but don't always reflect exactly what occurs.

[ImCrazy]

You guys are funny, most people on here have no idea what they are talking about. HSBC is the new name for Household Bank. Also you all talk about how H&R Block screws up so many returns and they don't care. If Block makes an error that causes you to owe penalties and interest, they pay those. Of course there are incompetent people everywhere, I have had to fix tax returns by people done everwhere: Liberty, Hewitt, Block, and many CPA's. You can't blanket any group of people and call them all idiots or that they are incompetent.

[Brenda]

Isn't funny how you say that..... But all of the major tax chains use the same bank. Since in our office we have people come from Jackson Hewitt and H & R Block and Liberty Tax, who all have checks to cash from HSBC. Get it right.

Deb Fort Wayne wrote:

Are you all aware the HSBC stands for Household bank of China. Yes that is correct. Blocks business is being shipped overseas. Now is that good. I dont think so. As for the person who takes the classes. If you are in a corporate owned store the hours and test scores are put in by a person and anything can happen. I know I did the job for 5 years before I left the company. All employees run don't walk from the office and either go to a competitor or start your own. But get out!

[Response]

What you don't tell in story is that H&R Block have different levels of tax practitioners. If the client has a more complicated return they should make sure that the person @ H&R Block has the experience to prepare the return correctly. Also, do you as a CPA stand behind your preperation of the return and pay pentalies and interest for any error you make? H&R Block does at no charge to the customer.

Reena Pearson CPA wrote:

I think it is interesting to note that H & R Block is suing over comments made by a TurboTax (tax product made by Intuit) commercial stating that more tax returns were done by TurboTax than by H & R Block when just last year, H & R Block made the same false claim that they (H & R Block) did more tax returns than CPA firms.
What the public needs to know is that the level of expertise provided by H & R Block practitioners is nowhere near the level of expertise provided by CPA's. H & R Block practitioners need only take a class and pass an exam. Many H & R Block practitioners have not had many years of experience. However, CPA's need to have a 5 year college degree and have passed a comprehensive 2 day CPA exam before they can practice. In addition, many states require at least two years of practical experience before they can practice as a CPA. This is why CPA's charge more than H & R Block - more education, more rigorous testing, and more experience.
I have also found in my experience that although H & R Block seems to do a fair job on basic tax returns, they seem to have problems with more complicated tax situations. I have had MANY clients come to me to not only do their current tax returns but to file previous years' amended returns because they felt that H & R Block filed their returns incorrectly and in every case, they were right.
So to all consumers, buyer beware - you get what you pay for in tax services.