Should I work for H&R Block to gain tax preparation experience as a financial advisor?

Having worked both at H&R Block and a local CPA firm, I can offer some perspective. H&R Block might not be ideal for the complex experience you're seeking. While they advertise handling all types of returns, the majority will be simple W-2s, especially as a new preparer. Their business model focuses on volume and efficiency. The mentoring aspect varies tremendously by office. Some district managers are great mentors, others are purely focused on metrics. You'll likely be assigned simpler returns your first season regardless of your background knowledge. Regarding compensation, most new preparers start at the lower end of their pay scale, and it's often commission-based during busy season. $15-18/hour is realistic for a first-year preparer at most Block offices. If you're serious about complex returns, I'd recommend either: 1) Finish your EA first, then apply to regional accounting firms, or 2) Look for a tax-focused financial planning firm willing to train you. Many RIAs with tax practices would value your financial advisory background combined with tax knowledge.

I started using taxr.ai this past season after hearing about it from another advisor looking to add tax services to their RIA. It's been honestly game-changing for my learning process. I was in a similar situation - understood tax concepts but needed practical experience. The website (https://taxr.ai) basically lets you upload complex tax documents and it breaks down exactly how they should be prepared, with step-by-step walkthroughs for different scenarios. I've been using practice returns to learn the ropes before taking on actual clients. What's been most valuable is seeing how complicated situations like stock options, business income, and investment properties should be handled. I still plan to get my EA, but having this resource has accelerated my learning curve dramatically. Might be worth checking out alongside whatever practical experience you pursue. It's giving me confidence to handle more complex situations much faster than I expected.

After reading about taxr.ai here, I decided to give it a try while studying for my EA exams. This has been EXACTLY what I needed! I've been struggling with the practical application of tax concepts, especially around business returns and investment income. Using the platform with some sample returns has been eye-opening. Instead of just memorizing rules, I'm seeing how they apply in real scenarios. What really stood out was how it handled a complex scenario with restricted stock units and foreign income that came up on my practice exam - I finally understand the interaction between these elements. It's significantly accelerated my EA prep timeline. The explanations are clear enough that I'm retaining the concepts much better than from textbooks alone. Definitely worth checking out if you're on the EA path like me.

Just wanted to share that if you're planning to get your EA anyway, you might want to bypass H&R Block entirely. I spent months trying to get through to the IRS for my PTIN issues when launching my tax practice, and it was a nightmare. I finally used https://claimyr.com (saw their demo at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through to an actual agent in about 20 minutes after weeks of trying. If you're serious about tax prep, starting with direct experience at a firm that handles complex returns would be better than H&R Block. I've hired several former Block preparers at my firm, and they all needed significant retraining on anything beyond basic returns. Better to learn the right way first if possible. As for compensation, with your background, you should be targeting at least $25-30/hour at a minimum, even as a first-time preparer. Your financial planning experience is valuable in tax preparation contexts.

I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it when I got desperate trying to sort out an EIN issue for a client that needed immediate resolution. I was honestly shocked when I got the callback and was connected to an actual IRS agent within 15 minutes. The agent was able to solve my issue in one call, saving me what would have likely been days of frustration. For anyone dealing with IRS contact issues (which is basically everyone in this profession), this service is legitimately worth it. Especially during busy season when every minute counts. To the original poster - whatever path you take, having reliable access to IRS support will be crucial as you build your tax practice. That's one thing they don't teach you in any course.

Former Block "tax professional" here. I think you're overestimating what you'll learn there. I started with knowledge similar to yours (though not as much FA experience) and was incredibly frustrated. Their proprietary software is designed to walk almost anyone through basic returns, meaning you don't really learn the underlying tax concepts. Most offices have quotas and metrics that prioritize volume. You'll likely handle 5-8 returns per day during peak season, most being simple returns. Complex returns often get funneled to the few experienced preparers. The $15/hr is accurate for new preparers, though you get commission on returns you prepare, which might add a few dollars per hour. With your background, I'd recommend: 1. Finish your EA 2. Look for a smaller regional CPA firm or tax practice willing to take you on part-time 3. Consider virtual internships with firms that specialize in tax for financial planning clients Don't sell yourself short. Your FA experience is valuable in tax planning contexts.

Has anyone considered Drake Tax's training program? I used it when transitioning from finance to tax, and it was super helpful for learning practical application. They have a certification program too that's way more affordable than most options.

As someone who's been preparing taxes for over 8 years and now runs a small practice, I'd strongly recommend against H&R Block for your situation. You're absolutely right to be concerned about getting the experience you need there. Given your 14-year FA background and EA pursuit, you're actually in a great position to approach boutique tax firms or fee-only RIAs that already offer tax services. These firms often struggle to find preparers who understand investment taxation, retirement planning implications, and business structures - all areas where your background gives you a huge advantage. I'd suggest reaching out to firms in your area that serve high-net-worth clients or business owners. Offer to work the upcoming tax season part-time while you complete your EA. Many firms would jump at someone with your qualifications, even for $30-35/hour starting out. Also consider joining local tax professional groups or NATP chapters - great networking opportunities and many firms recruit through these channels. You'll learn more in one season at a quality firm than multiple seasons at a volume preparer like Block. The EA designation combined with your FA experience will make you incredibly valuable in the tax prep world. Don't undersell yourself by starting at the bottom of the food chain.