Error on State tax

[Ombud]

Returning to HR BLOCK next year, finding a CPA (most charge about the same as them), or doing it yourself?

[Happy prose]

Ourselves! 

[TheOtherMe]

Mar 21, 2016 19:03:51 GMT -5 Ombud said:

The problem with HR BLOCK is not only with the preparers (some good, some not) but they've also had software issues. 2013 = omitted tuition deductions. 2014 = messed up basis. 3015 = Issues with Gainskeeper downloads. A lot of preparers knew the work arounds. Others only knew what box to put it in. That's what happens when you don't require annual education. That's what the RTRP program was supposed to fix. Make all states comply to the rules in CA (& what Oregon used to be -- downgraded to only 80 hrs)

Block requires CPE.  BIL has worked his way up to only knowing about farmers to becoming an enrolled agent.  He has to take CPE every fall.  I don't know how many hours, but he takes it. 

With his experience, I'm sure he knows the work arounds.

When I worked there, you had to get 70% to pass the final. They hired everybody who applied.  They weed them out after peak (around first week of February).  First contract is only through the date they have determined to be end of peak season.  Then they offer contracts to those they want to keep. 

BIL had one elderly man he had to let go before the end of peak.  Guy had never touched a computer, barely passed the final and took hours to prepare a tax return.  He also wanted every return checked by BIL.  He had no confidence in his work and it was often wrong.  BIL let him go.

[Ombud]

Block requires CPE.  BIL has worked his way up to only knowing about farmers to becoming an enrolled agent

EAs have annual requirements

[TheOtherMe]

BIL had to do CPE with Block before he became an EA.  The course work to become an EA counted for that season. 

I am aware that EAs have to do CPE.  When I retired from the IRS, I could and did become an EA.  When it came time to renew, I let it go because I was working in the accounting department of casinos and didn't think I would need it.  I didn't do the CPE.  Later on, I wished I had kept the EA.