Comments on: Never, ever use H&R Block, they hire incompetent tax monkeys

By: jpblan11

jpblan11 — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:09:04 +0000

Anyone who thinks a CPA or Attorney is a better preparer is seriously mistaken. Most CPAs and Attorneys farm out there returns. It is very difficult for them to keep up with tax laws as previously said it is NOT there core business.

There is a third and very competent choice; Enrolled Agents who have been around since 1865 would be that choice. The IRS has them take a two day — four part exam all on taxes (corporate, partnership, estate etc..), yet they are cheaper than the CPAs, attorney and the three big tax preparers, H and R Block, Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax. If you want to find an EA near where you reside they do have a web site (http://www.naea.org).

I must add of the three, H and R Block is the more professional.

By: ckccpa

ckccpa — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:51:57 +0000

I am a CPA and see many new clients each year because H&R block screwed up. I have a 5 year Bachelor’s degree and had to go through intensive testing to earn my CPA. The H&R block employees get a one time quicky course. Taxes are most people’s 2nd biggest expense so paying the extra money is worthwhile. Trust me…

By: John Pingg

John Pingg — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 18:44:53 +0000

H & R Block offers a Maximun Refund Guarantee, Their tax advisors are supposed to point this out to you at the conclusion of the tax return. They are supposed to refund ALL of your fees if they make an error that results in an incorrect tax.

In Blocks defense, they have given their advisors a lot of new research tools which should avoid this kind of poor experience. You can ask for a senior tax advisor when you use Block.

When choosing a CPA, take care that the individual is experienced and up to date on current tax rules. Taxes are not most CPAs primary skill. Large CPA firms usually use Back Room Employees to prpare returns. The CPA actually only looks at and signs the return.

By: JeanMarie Hinds, Appleton, WI

JeanMarie Hinds, Appleton, WI — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 15:21:06 +0000

I worked for Jackson-Hewitt in Ohio and now for the past two years for Liberty Tax Service in Wisconsin. Along with H&R, these are the big three of the tax prep business. What I saw, comments I heard, and now reading your posting all have spurred me to start my own little tax practice out of my home (for the first year anyway). I will be attending three different classes this summer to beef up my knowledge of corp., partnership and estate taxes and have started equipping my office with the most current technology tools. I am not out to make money as much as I want to know that I am affiliated with a competent organization---my own! After 9 years of tax work, including teaching classes, at least I am smart enough to realize when I am in over my head, and refer the person on to someone else. My satisfaction comes from doing the job right and taking away that stress from my clients. However, I do have overhead so the cost will still be around the national average fee of $147. My hourly rate will be $87 (national average $99-$175) and the average time per return ranges from 2 to 3.8 hours (based on last year's CPA stats).

By: Danny

Danny — Mon, 15 May 2006 21:11:14 +0000

I used tax software (the Mac equivalent from Quicken) but our taxes have grown too complex for me to be sure of what I am doing. Hence my seeking of professional assistance.

I guess I just need more professional professonal assistance.

By: Brett Cloyd

Brett Cloyd — Tue, 09 May 2006 21:41:38 +0000

Danny — I use TurboTax. Last 5 years. It has the memory of my past tax returns, I just fill out my W2s and investment statements, keep a folder of my charitable donations and work expenses, and it’s pretty straightforward. They ask the same questions as HR Block, althought it sounds like they do a better job :)

By: map

map — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 21:23:04 +0000

On another note, why didn't I ever think of a category called "Rants?" So obvious....

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 03 Apr 2006 20:27:53 +0000

I recommend TurboTax.

By: Danny

Danny — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:49:49 +0000

Yeah, I know that. We had a CPA in Iowa, who did our taxes, cheaply and well (well enough to not get audited at least). We'd like to get back to that (and find a good family attorney, too) but you nailed it: we've been waiting to settle down permanently. Hopefully this next move will be it.

By: map

map — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 17:11:29 +0000

Last year my wife and I took our taxes to a tax attorney who also happens to work on my father's taxes. The reasoning? He's the guy who'll probably handle my dad's estate, so I wanted him to be familiar with my financial situation as well. You may want to look into a situation like this once you get settled. It's good to have a lawyer (he also put together our Wills and a trust for our daughter). It's going to cost you more than H&R Block, probably, at least in terms of money. What you'll waste less of is time, because a good tax attorney is going to be up to date on all tax law changes and know exactly what goes where, when, and why. I think it's worth it (we don't have a lot of money, but I made this a priority).