If you’ve got a knack for crunching numbers and maneuvering through legal jargon, becoming an H&R Block tax professional might be the right career move for you. These agents help bring peace of mind to clients during a particularly stressful time: tax season.
What’s more, H&R Block tax professionals provide year-round financial support and assistance and stay up-to-date with tax regulations and laws. All that makes them a vital asset to the average taxpayer.
Does the idea of this job have you on the edge of your seat? If so, here’s a closer look at what it means to be an H&R Block tax professional and how you can become one yourself.
H&R Block Tax Professionals vs Other Tax Professionals
In this guide, I’m going to be focusing on H&R Block tax professionals specifically. However, these aren’t the only tax professionals out there.
So, what’s the difference between them?
Let’s take a look at some of the differences that set H&R block workers apart.
1. Training and Certification
Regardless of the institution they represent, all tax professionals need to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which denotes that they are authorized by the IRS to prepare tax returns. This basic requirement is standard across the field, regardless of whether or not you’re an H&R Block employee.
Now, while having a PTIN may be something all tax professionals have, H&R Block pros differ in that they receive training via the H&R Block Income Tax Course. This course provides hands-on experience and empowers tax experts with actionable professional tax prep strategies. While other institutions may also offer training, H&R Block’s approach is particularly immersive and practical, leading to fine-tuned expertise in this line of work.
2. Scope and Resources
H&R Block is one of the leading tax preparation companies globally. As such, it’s no surprise that their professionals are equipped with vast resources, like state-of-the-art tax software and databases, and a huge network that spans both local and international offices.
Other tax professionals, especially those belonging to smaller firms, don’t always have these same resources at their disposal.
Level of Customer Service
H&R Block is dedicated to attention to detail as well as taking its time with each tax return that comes its way. They also offer both virtual and physical offices, making it easy for clients to get the support and assistance they need to file their tax returns.
This level of customer service is another way that H&R Block stands out and why so many people choose to work with tax professionals at this company.
Levels of H&R Block Tax Professionals
At H&R Block, there are actually different levels of tax professionals. Each level comes with more responsibility, but it also comes with better financial rewards.
Let’s take a look at some of the different steps along the corporate ladder at this company.
Entry-Level Tax Associate
This is where most people start their journey. As a Tax Associate, your main focus is to assist with the preparation of tax returns for individuals, partnerships, and corporations. You’re also tasked with keeping up to date with changing tax laws and sharing this vital information with your clients.
Senior Tax Associate
As a Senior Tax Associate, your job becomes more nuanced and client-oriented. You don’t simply prepare tax returns; you build relationships with clients, understand their unique financial situations, and offer tailored advice. Also, at this level, you might find yourself guiding a team of junior Tax Associates.
Tax Expert
If you aspire to be a Tax Expert, you are poised for more challenging tasks such as analyzing complex tax situations, advising clients on more tricky issues like tax disputes and audits, and providing in-depth tax planning suggestions.
Tax Advisor
As a Tax Advisor, you take on a more strategic role rather than just a technical one. You advise your clients on the best tax strategies for their businesses, implement those strategies, and guide your clients through complicated tax legislation.
Services Provided by an H&R Block Tax Professional
H&R Block tax professionals provide a multitude of comprehensive tax services, with each one being important in its own right. A couple of the services offered at this company include:
- Preparing and filing tax returns
- Providing tax planning advice
- Representing clients during audits
Let’s take a closer look at each of these services.
Preparing and Filing Tax Returns
As an H&R Block tax professional, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are utilizing deductions and credits in the best possible way for your clients while keeping them in compliance with the latest tax laws. For instance, if a client were to go to you as a small business owner, you’d meticulously go through their expenses to identify potential deductions. From home office claims to business travel expenses, your aim would be to ensure they pay only what you legally owe.
Providing Tax Planning Advice
Providing tax planning advice is particularly valuable for clients who are going through significant life changes, such as getting married, buying a house, or starting a business. They’d want to understand the tax implications of these events, and you’d provide the necessary guidance to help them plan ahead.
Representing Clients during IRS Audits
While it’s a scenario no one wishes to face, it’s comforting for clients to know they can rely on your support in the instance it does happen. Being a tax professional, you would stand as their representative, guiding them through the often intimidating process and advocating for their best interests.
How to Become an H&R Block Tax Professional
We’ve talked a lot about what H&R Block tax professionals do, but how do you actually become one?
In short, becoming an H&R Block tax professional involves a strong foundation in tax law, completion of a recognized tax course, and a dedication to exceptional client service. However, there are a few other more detailed things to be aware of as well.
Let’s go over the steps needed to become an H&R Block tax professional.
Step 1: Get the Right Education
You need to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Though a formal degree may not be mandatory, having a background or degree in accounting or a related field can certainly give you an edge.
In addition, you should also possess strong customer service skills. As an H&R Block tax professional, you’ll be interacting with clients regularly, getting to know them, and helping them tackle their unique tax situations.
Step 2: Take the H&R Block Income Tax Course
This is a comprehensive program that provides in-depth coverage of tax laws and practical knowledge about the preparation of individual and business tax returns. Not only does this course provide you with a deep understanding of tax preparation, but it also serves as a stepping stone toward a successful career at H&R Block.
The course, taught by experienced tax professionals, traditionally starts around August each year and lasts for 12 weeks. However, H&R Block also offers accelerated courses.
Step 3: Interview for a Position
Upon successful completion of the tax course, you have the opportunity to interview for a position within the company. While completion of the course doesn’t guarantee employment, it certainly increases your odds and gives you the hands-on experience that sets the H&R Block team apart.
Step 4: Land a Job and Earn CPEs
Once you make it past the interview, you’ll be ready to start a career as an H&R Block tax professional! Still, your training isn’t over. As you launch your new career, you’ll need to earn continuing professional education credits (CPEs).
The reason for this is simple: tax laws constantly change. Staying abreast of these changes and amendments is essential for providing accurate and up-to-date advice to clients. H&R Block offers, at a minimum, 15 hours of CPE yearly to its tax professionals, focusing on areas such as new tax laws, ethics, and complex tax situations. These sessions are incredibly beneficial as they keep you updated and prepared for any tax changes.
Benefits of Working as an H&R Block Tax Professional
There are a multitude of benefits that come with being an H&R Block tax professional. For starters, there’s the potential for competitive pay. However, there are other benefits as well, such as:
- Tangible Career Development Benefits: The company places a high value on continued education and will sometimes fund courses and professional certification programs for its professionals.
- Flexible Hours: Unlike a conventional 9-5 job, your schedule may be customized to fit your lifestyle and personal commitments.
- Opportunity for Remote Work: Many H&R Block professionals work predominantly or exclusively from home, letting them manage their own workspace and schedule.
- Exposure to an Array of Customers: This diversity can not only expand your customer service skills but also your understanding of specific tax situations and regulations. It’s a continuous learning experience that keeps your job interesting and challenging.
With these benefits, it’s easy to see why so many people want to start a career as an H&R Block tax professional.
Launch into a Career at H&R Block
Choosing a career as an H&R Block tax professional not only equips you with the versatile and valuable skill of tax preparation but also positions you as an essential asset to those needing help navigating their tax situations.
A career as an H&R Block Tax Professional comes with great potential for growth, continuous learning opportunities and the privilege to make a palpable difference in people’s financial lives. Plus, you will always have the support and mentorship from an established industry leader like H&R Block.
If you’re still in need of more assistance in your job search, check out our other articles. We’ve got guides that will help you either take the first step to becoming an H&R Block tax pro or to finding a different career path that’s right for you.
