[Anonymous]

Sorry this posted in the FAR forum on accident.

Does anybody have any information about the H&R block certification levels? I know it has to do with the number of H&R block training hours you’d taken, but does have an EA or CPA automatically put you at the highest level as a “Master Tax Advisor”? What is the general salary range for the different levels?

[mla1169]

I went through the whole testing and interview process and was told that basically the salary levels depends only on years of employment and not on any other factors. Everybody starts at minimum wage. I actually asked “so I as a CPA and my son as a recent graduate would automatically start at the same hourly rate” and was told yes.

There is no way I'd work for them @ minimum wage.

Unless the girl who told me this was misinformed but its consistant with the information I've found online about Block.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[makinthemagic]

I worked for Block one season way in the past. There is a reason it was only 1 season, such as the problems mentioned above.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[Anonymous]

Hmm…it seams like the people who would benefit from working at H&R block are people without an advanced degree, or without a CPA, or EA. Entry level tax accountants looking to start a career. But wouldnt each H&R block location need at least one licensed professional? and I thought I had heard something about people doing a couple seasons with H&R block, and then having opportunities to teach the training courses if they are licensed professionals and making some extra money that way?

[mla1169]

They have professionals that are part of their full time year round staff, the seasonal employees don't have to be professionally designated and there really is no benefit to it for anybody, You're right a job like this is much better suited to someone very entry level trying to decide if this is a career they'd like to pursue. Their “schtick” so to speak is providing enough tools that you really only have to have a very elementary understanding to work there.

There probably are more opportunities once you've been there. From what I understand the $$$ comes from commissions and after you've got a few seasons under your belt you are at a higher commission rate and have more loyal customers who request and will wait for an appointment with you. However the commissions are a lump sum payment after tax season and not part of your weekly payroll which was another reason why I wouldn't consider it.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

This is my 8th tax season with H&R Block so I can speak intelligently on the subject. Yes, having an EA or CPA designation puts you at the Master Tax Advisor level. I completely disagree with the notion that “you really only have to have a very elementary understanding to work there.” As an EA (and hopefully almost CPA!) I provide outstanding client service and am confident in my ability to handle complex returns. I've also been an instructor for the Income Tax Course and enjoyed it very much.

[mla1169]

cincy, are you saying everybody who works there has advanced training? I bet if you think about it, some people who work there have a high school education only plus whatever basic training is provided in Block's class.

If that statement is correct, then the notion “you only have toh ave a very elementary understanding to work there” is in fact accurate.

I didn't say or imply that every single person there only has an elementary understanding. I know for a fact my 18 year old son could get a job there if he chose.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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