PTIN and Big Box Tax Prep

[joanmcq]

The IRS regulations for RTP state that state tests do not exempt anyone from the IRS competency exam. Have you been told differently?

I think what Origun was saying was that since he/she is in a state with a stringent licensing requirement (the most stringent of all the states) that all of the preparers have already passed, that the IRS exam shouldn't be a problem. CA preparers have already also passed an exam, and already need to get more CPE than under the IRS requirements, but will also still have to take the IRS exams. But at least they have already had to prove some level of competency.

From the returns I've seen, the preparer at HRB, JH et al sign the returns they prepare. The exemption for CPA firms was, I think, lobbied hard because at least at the firm I worked for, the partner signed the return after final review. I might have prepared the return, but not only did a manager closely review it, but the partner did as well.

Of course, that way the partner got to charge the big bucks......lol.

[taxea]

Yes, all H&R Block tax preparers (except EAs, CPAs and lawyers) will have to take the IRS test.

Thank you Gary, you have answered my question.

[taxea]

Why would you want to hear from Block employees? In an earlier thread you stated that you were "eminently more qualified" than those preparers.

I've worked for Block since 1995. I became an EA in 1998. I have to have at least 30 hrs of CPE each year to continue working there. But based on your evaluation, I couldn't possibly give you any assisstance.

Anyone who is an EA is eminenhtly more qualified than the average HRB or other big box preparer.

I am not sure about other states training but my experience with Hawaii HRB training is that, unless things have changed drastically, it is woefully inadequate.

I appreciate all who have posted what they have done as a requirement of their employer. I am only interested in whether employees of bbb's are now required to take the IRS test.

[MLINDER42]

Ptin

HRB corporate offices each preparer will have to pass the test themselves.Each franchisee will have to make their own decision based on their own qualifications.I also will have to make a decision based on how many of my preparers pass the test.The majority of our returns are EITC W-2 returns which they do very well.I review every return before it is filed.

[Lion]

Anyone who is an EA is eminenhtly more qualified than the average HRB or other big box preparer.

I am not sure about other states training but my experience with Hawaii HRB training is that, unless things have changed drastically, it is woefully inadequate.

I am an EA and was an HRB employee for 11 years, so I'm obviously NOT eminently more qualified than myself. I was the newest preparer in my office for those 11 years, so I would consider even the non-EAs in my office more qualified than myself.

My colleagues and I had 66 hours of tax classes plus a whole lot of HRB specific training plus an update course before HRB allowed us to prepare returns. And, I had a minimum of 30 credits a year to remain certified at HRB. A new RTRP can be less well prepared, but not at HRB.

[jimenright]

I am also a former HRB employee and an EA.

I now prepare taxes on my own. I did not like the many of the policies and procedures in place at HRB. I did not like paying even a nominal charge for my HRB training. However, I consider the training courses I received at HRB to be the best, most comprehensive training in taxes I have ever received. A lot depends on the instructor, but even with a poor instructor, the materials were adequate to provide good training. The training was much better than I have received from seminars, correspondence courses, etc. since leaving HRB several years ago.

[MLINDER42]

Hrb Training

I second that comment.I wish sometimes I could take some of their seminars I found them very good.I also enjoyed taking a test at the end to see how much I really understood.

[Jesse]

I think it is rather pathetic that one would consider a person eminently more qualified because of a title.

If anyone who is an EA is eminently more qualified than the average HRB or other big box preparer does that mean that anyone that is a CPA is eminently more qualified than your average EA?

[Davc]

I think it is rather pathetic that one would consider a person eminently more qualified because of a title.

If anyone who is an EA is eminently more qualified than the average HRB or other big box preparer does that mean that anyone that is a CPA is eminently more qualified than your average EA?

No, CPAs have no requirement for CPE in taxation.

[taxea]

It isn't the title that makes one more qualified...it is the quality of the work done.