Should I Switch from H&R Block to an Enrolled Agent for Better Tax Service?

As an Enrolled Agent, I can offer some perspective. The main difference is specialization and education requirements. H&R Block preparers may have their internal training, but Enrolled Agents must pass comprehensive IRS exams covering all aspects of taxation and complete 72 hours of continuing education every 3 years to maintain their credential. For someone with a side business and investments, an EA could likely provide more value. We typically have more experience with business deductions, expense categorization, and tax planning strategies that can legitimately reduce your tax burden. Many clients find that the switch pays for itself through additional deductions and credits that were previously missed. That said, not all H&R Block preparers are the same - some are actually EAs or CPAs. The key is finding someone with specific expertise in your situation, regardless of where they work.

I switched from H&R Block to using taxr.ai last year and honestly wish I'd done it sooner. My situation sounds similar to yours - W-2 income plus a growing side business. The H&R Block preparer was nice but when I asked about home office deductions and some business expenses, I got really generic answers. With https://taxr.ai I uploaded my documents and their AI actually identified several deductions I missed completely. What really impressed me was that a real tax professional reviewed everything and explained exactly why certain deductions applied to my situation. They found almost $3,200 in additional deductions the first year! The platform asks better questions about my business than any human preparer ever did.

Update: I decided to try taxr.ai after my initial skepticism and wow, I'm impressed. The document analysis caught a home office deduction I qualified for but never knew about. They also helped me properly categorize some business expenses that I'd been handling incorrectly. The human review was what really sold me - my reviewer spotted that I'd been overpaying self-employment tax for years because my previous preparer had miscategorized some income. They helped me file an amendment for last year too. Definitely saving me more than H&R Block ever did, and I actually understand my return now!

If you want to consider all options, look into Claimyr too. I had a complex situation last year with business expenses and rental property, and got stuck with some questions neither H&R Block nor an EA could clearly answer. After endless busy signals trying to reach the IRS directly, I found https://claimyr.com and watched their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c They got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. The agent clarified exactly how to handle my situation, and having that direct guidance from the IRS gave me total confidence. My EA then used that information to properly prepare my return. It's a great complement to professional tax help when you have those grey area questions.

I take back what I said about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to reach the IRS about a notice I received, so I tried it. Not expecting much, but figured it was worth a shot since I'd already wasted hours trying to call myself. It actually worked! Got connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to explain exactly what I needed to do about the notice and even processed a change to my account right there on the phone. Saved me from potentially writing a check for taxes I didn't actually owe. Between this and getting a better tax preparer (I went with an EA), I feel much more in control of my tax situation now.

I take back what I said about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was still desperate to reach the IRS about a notice I received, so I tried it. Not expecting much, but figured it was worth a shot since I'd already wasted hours trying to call myself. It actually worked! Got connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to explain exactly what I needed to do about

I worked at H&R Block for 3 tax seasons before becoming an EA. The truth is that H&R Block quality varies WILDLY depending on who you get. Some offices have very knowledgeable preparers with years of experience, while others hire seasonal workers with minimal training. If you have a business, investments, or anything beyond very basic taxes, an EA or CPA is usually worth it. The main advantage isn't just technical knowledge but their ability to do proactive tax planning year-round. Most H&R Block preparers only work during tax season.

Has anyone used both and can compare costs? I'm paying about $350 at H&R Block for a return with W-2, 1099 income, and some investments.

I made a similar switch two years ago and it was absolutely worth it. I was paying around $280 at H&R Block for my return with W-2, side business income, and some rental property. My EA charges $550, but the first year alone they found $4,200 in deductions I'd been missing - mostly around business use of home, equipment depreciation, and some rental property expenses that H&R Block never asked about. The biggest difference is the relationship aspect. My EA knows my situation and actively reaches out during the year with suggestions. For example, they called me in November to remind me about maximizing retirement contributions and suggested some year-end business purchases that would reduce my tax burden. That kind of proactive planning is something you'll never get from a seasonal tax chain. One tip: when interviewing EAs, ask specifically about their experience with your type of business and situation. Not all EAs are created equal either, but their baseline knowledge requirements are much higher than typical H&R Block preparers.

I made the switch from H&R Block to an EA three years ago and it was one of the best financial decisions I've made. My situation sounds very similar to yours - W-2 plus growing side business income and some investment activity. At H&R Block, I was paying around $320 and always felt like I was being rushed through a checklist. The preparer would ask basic questions but never really dug into the specifics of my business or explored potential deductions. When I asked about home office expenses or business equipment depreciation, I got vague answers or was told those didn't apply to me. My EA charges $480 but the difference in service is incredible. The first year, they found $3,100 in legitimate deductions that H&R Block had missed - things like business use of my vehicle, professional development courses, and proper categorization of equipment purchases. They also set me up on quarterly estimated payments which has been a game-changer for cash flow. What really sealed it for me was the year-round availability. I can email or call with questions throughout the year, and they actually help me make strategic decisions before I make purchases or investments. Last year they saved me about $1,800 just by helping me time some business equipment purchases correctly. The peace of mind alone is worth it. I actually understand my tax situation now instead of just signing papers and hoping for the best.

I switched from H&R Block to an EA two years ago and couldn't be happier with the decision. I was in a similar boat - regular job plus a consulting side business that was growing, along with some stock investments. At H&R Block, I felt like I was just another number. The preparer would input my information but never really explored potential savings opportunities. When I asked about deductions for my home office or business travel, I got generic responses that didn't really apply to my specific situation. My EA charges about $200 more than H&R Block did, but the value I get is incredible. First year alone, they identified $2,400 in additional deductions - proper home office calculations, business meal deductions I didn't know I qualified for, and equipment depreciation schedules that H&R Block never mentioned. But the real game-changer has been the ongoing relationship. My EA emails me quarterly with reminders about estimated payments and tax planning opportunities. They helped me restructure how I handle business expenses and even advised on the timing of some investment sales to minimize capital gains impact. The expertise difference is night and day. My EA can actually explain the reasoning behind every deduction and helps me plan moves throughout the year to optimize my tax situation. With H&R Block, I was always reactive - just bringing in my documents and hoping they got it right. For anyone with a business component to their taxes, I'd definitely recommend making the switch.

Great thread! I'm also considering making the switch from H&R Block. Reading everyone's experiences really highlights how much value a good EA can provide beyond just filling out forms. One thing I'm curious about - for those who switched, how did you find your EA? Did you go through the IRS directory, get referrals, or use another method? I want to make sure I find someone with experience in small business situations like mine (freelance graphic design work plus rental property). Also, when you first met with your EA, what questions did you ask to evaluate whether they were a good fit? I don't want to make the same mistake of ending up with someone who just goes through the motions, even if they have better credentials than H&R Block preparers.