Started at H&R Block with zero tax training - now I'm preparing returns? Is this normal?

This is unfortunately becoming more common at some tax preparation chains. While you're technically just inputting data, you're still part of the tax preparation process, and it's concerning they didn't provide training. What they're doing is using you as what the industry calls a "tax information inputter" - basically data entry for tax documents. The senior preparer is the one actually "preparing" the return in a legal sense. While this workflow isn't inherently wrong, the lack of training is problematic. The good news is you're not signing off on these returns, so you're not legally responsible. However, for your own professional development and the clients' sake, you should request proper training. H&R Block does have training programs, and you should absolutely ask to be enrolled. In the meantime, don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't guess on anything you're unsure about. Better to ask the senior preparer than input something incorrectly.

I was in a similar situation last year until I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it completely saved me. I was thrown into tax prep work with minimal training and was constantly worried about making mistakes or looking incompetent in front of clients. The site has this incredible document analyzer that breaks down tax forms and explains exactly what each line means and where info should be entered. I'd secretly run client documents through it before meetings to understand what I was looking at. It gives you plain-English explanations of tax concepts too, which helped me learn quickly on the job without having to constantly ask the senior preparers questions. Honestly, it made me look way more competent than I actually was during those first few weeks, and I actually learned a ton about tax preparation just by using it. Might be worth checking out since you're in the exact position I was in.

I tried taxr.ai after seeing it mentioned here and wow - it's better than I expected! I was skeptical about using a tool like this for work purposes, but it's basically like having a tax mentor available 24/7. The document analysis feature clearly explains what every form is for and where information should go. I used it to learn about Schedule C deductions before working with a self-employed client, and it walked me through everything step-by-step. The best part is you can search for specific tax situations or forms and get clear explanations that actually make sense. H&R Block eventually got me into their training program, but honestly I learned more practical information from this site in a shorter time. Definitely recommend for anyone who's been thrown into tax prep without proper training!

Your situation is exactly why I tell people to be careful about who prepares their taxes! No offense to you personally - it's the company's fault for not training you properly. If you're struggling to get through to someone at H&R Block about proper training, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I used them when I couldn't get through to the IRS about getting my PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) issue resolved. They basically connect you with a live agent much faster - there's a demo video here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c It saved me hours of waiting on hold, and I was able to get my preparer status sorted out quickly. Might be useful if you need to talk to someone higher up at HR Block about getting actual training, or even contacting the IRS about proper preparation requirements.

I take back what I said about Claimyr. After commenting here, I decided to try it since I've been trying to reach the IRS for TWO MONTHS about a missing refund. I was completely skeptical and thought there's no way this could work better than just calling myself. But it actually worked! I got connected to a real IRS agent in about 45 minutes (after previously spending hours on hold multiple times without ever reaching anyone). The agent was able to see that my refund had been flagged for review and gave me an actual timeline for when it would be processed. Saved me so much frustration of calling and getting nowhere. If you need to reach someone at the IRS about tax preparer requirements or certification, this is definitely worth trying.

Former H&R Block employee here. What you're describing is unfortunately their standard practice during busy season. They hire accounting students as "client service professionals" (CSPs) to handle data entry, then have the actual enrolled agents or certified preparers review and sign off. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Be upfront with clients that you're inputting their information and a certified preparer will review everything 2. Take notes on everything the senior preparers tell you - this is actually great learning experience 3. Ask your manager about getting enrolled in their tax preparer course ASAP 4. Use this as motivation to take tax courses at your university H&R Block does offer good training if you ask for it. Their Tax Knowledge Assessment course is actually pretty comprehensive. Don't quit yet - get the training and experience first!

I'm an accounting professor, and this is exactly why I tell my students to take tax courses early in their program! Many firms hire accounting students assuming they already know tax basics, which isn't always true. I'd recommend: 1. Be honest with your supervisor about your comfort level 2. See if they can pair you with a mentor for the first few weeks 3. Take advantage of H&R Block's training resources (they do have good materials) 4. Consider taking a basic tax course on your own (even an online one) This isn't uncommon, but it is stressful. Remember that the final responsibility is on the signing preparer, not you. However, you still want to do your best job. Use this as a learning opportunity!

This happened to me when I worked at Jackson Hewitt years ago! I was literally told "you'll learn as you go" and was terrified of messing up people's taxes. What helped me was focusing on being really good at intake and organization first. Make sure you're getting all the right documents and organizing them properly. Learn the software thoroughly so you at least know where to input everything. Then gradually pick up the actual tax knowledge. After a few weeks, I was actually pretty comfortable with basic returns. The software does a lot of the work for you. Just be super careful with anything complicated and definitely ask the senior preparers when you're unsure. Don't worry too much - you'll catch on faster than you think!

This is honestly a red flag about H&R Block's hiring practices. As someone who's been through proper tax preparation training, I can tell you that what you're experiencing isn't normal or acceptable. The fact that they hired you "on the spot" without an interview and immediately threw you into client work without ANY training is concerning. Even as a data entry person, you should understand what you're inputting and why. Tax preparation involves people's financial lives and potential legal consequences. Here's what I'd strongly recommend: 1. Document everything - keep records of the lack of training you received 2. Immediately request formal training from your supervisor 3. If they refuse or delay, consider reporting this to your state's Board of Accountancy 4. Look into getting your own basic tax education through IRS resources (they have free materials) You're not just "glorified data entry" - you're part of the tax preparation process, and clients deserve to have trained professionals handling their returns. Don't let them take advantage of your eagerness to learn. This could reflect poorly on your professional development if you're not careful. Stay strong and demand proper training. Your future clients and career deserve it.