There's no support for the assertion that tax professionals other than HRB's own people, and interested amateurs take HRB classes. I go to PLI and ABA conferences, like most of my colleagues.

Most tax lawyers don't prepare income tax returns, thus have no need to hire somebody from HRB. I know a lot of people in the tax community, and I don't know anyone who has ever hired anybody from HRB.

@burgundyyears: True. Some CPAs are auditors or work in business advisory. But they don't hold themselves out as tax professionals.
If they do hold themselves out, they've got to stand behind their work, or face IRS/local jurisdiction/civil suits for professional negligence.

So, what was your point again?

FinanceGuru

H&R Block offer the most extensive and required tax training in the industry. CPAs, tax lawyers and independent EA (Enrolled Agents) often take Block's classes.

I am a former preparer for Block (7 years) and I've personally corrected returns from CPAs and tax lawyers. My wife's best friend uses a CPA and one year she did not like what she got back, so I looked at her return, and this 'trusted' was taking off the wall deductions. Like, I wondered why they have not been audited. So, I told her, I can do your taxes better, but you'd get back less.

You always look for some one who you feel comfortable and knows his stuff. Certifications are meaningless.

Most CPAs and tax lawyers, hire tax preparers from Block, JH, college business students or anywhere else to do their stacks of returns. So, your 'CPA-prepared' return may have actually been prepared by a junior business school major. And only signed by the CPA.

Caveat emptor, the only thing I can recommend is if you are going to use a big service, is to ask if it is corporate run or a franchise. Here in NE, all Blocks are corporate and provide better service since, corporate is running the districts and there is no interference from franchisee owners.

radio1

Find a local CPA. Pick any one in the phone book. Talk to a small business owner for a referral.

What would you rather choose? McDonald's or the well-respected diner with lunch made from fresh local ingredients?

TPSreports

H&R Block sends you with an IRS Enrolled Agent, just to clarify.

WoefulWednesday

To my knowledge, his clients -- some of whom have been going to him for 30+ years -- have never had an audit when he prepared their taxes.

Charity Froggenhall

There are plenty of 'mom and pop' CPAs out there for individuals' taxes, and a good number of them that actually do it the right way. To find them, I use Dave Ramsey's ELP service.
[www.daveramsey.com]

I've used sever of his ELPs and never had a bad experience. The screening process is already done for you.

Now if only we can get the Fair Tax in place and we won't need any of this crap.

anatak

Fact is, CPAs focus primarily on accounting for businesses and upscale clients. Enrolled agents, on the other hand, specifically exist to provide tax-code expertise.
IRS EA website

@AnonyLawyer: ONLY CPAs, EAs, and attorneys are allowed to represent you before the IRS. If a company offers audit protection, then they're required by law to have someone qualified to represent you.

disavow

AnonyLawyer

lukobe

MYarms

yeah...umm-NO

my finger finger is still on the wall...who is worthy nobody knows. maybe my moms (probably) but if you're local (Metro CT area) I would love to unload the burden from my mom and do busiess with you. discounteggroll gmail. 'nuff said

discounteggroll

burgundyyears

Charity Froggenhall

BTW I am a QUALIFIED tax preparer. I have well over 50 hours of tax law training each year. Ask a CPA how much tax training they have a year.

WoefulWednesday

pinkpuppet

The Stork

CumaeanSibyl

johnva

attractin yur audits

ConsumptionJunkie

WoefulWednesday

laserjobs

CumaeanSibyl