Does HR block really try hard to "Maximize" you're return?

I've never been to a tax prep service before, but this year i think id like to just go so i can see if i have been missing anything that i could be deducting... I know turbo tax and all that claims to do this but honestly i just want to talk to someone in person.

My question is, HR Block being such a large corporation..., do they actully try to maximize you're deductions as a independent prep person would do? or do they just kind of go through the motions?

I worked there many years ago and at the time, I believed that I WAS doing my best and getting as much back as possible. Looking back on that experience and everything I have learned since then, I would have to say that you might be better off doing them yourself. There is no magic tricks involved in tax prep. You are entitled to get a certain dollar amount no matter what. The difference is how your return in prepared and if the preparer knows what they are doing. That is the difference between what Preparer A can get you versus Preparer B. Who knows the most - who asks the most questions. H&R Block offers a class to teach tax prep and once you finish the class (it's only like 8 weeks long @ 2 days a week), they offer you a job. I was working there at age 19 as an "Advanced Preparer"... Come on now, I knew my stuff, but I admit that I was no whiz at it! And their job is not to get you the most money back, their job is to get you in the seat across from them, speed through your taxes, then sell you all the products that HRB is selling that year, and then get you out of the seat so they can start the cycle all over again with the next person in the lobby. You are better off going to a CPA if you want a professional who really knows tax laws.

My brother (a conscientious CPA) told me that several years ago he took a job with HR Block during tax season. He said that they didn't keep him because they told him he was taking too much time doing the returns. They wanted them put through as quickly as possible.
You draw your own conclusions.

Edit: Looks like Gary below is shilling for HR Block
instead of just giving his opinion.

Anyone I know who has been there was not that happy. they just seem to see how many forms they can use because they charge more for each one and, as above, just try to get the price up. Not my first choice. I would check into an independent. I think they take a far more personal interest in their clients.

Good luck.

Yes, H & R Block tries to get you the biggest refund possible in which you are entitled to. Plus they can do more for you other than taxes. They want you to come back every year and referred others to H & R Block.

Unless there's something unusual about your situation, there is probably no "maximizing" to do - most returns are straightforward and any competent preparer would get the same result as any other.

If you have a very complicated situation like your own business with lots of complex deductions, or maybe a number of rental properties with many deductions, then a CPA would be a far better choice anyway that Block, Liberty or Hewitt.

the only thing they maximize is their fee.

Why does every one bash H & R Block?

H & R Block has been doing taxes for over 50 years. Are there bad preparers? yes there are. There are bad employees in every company.

I have worked for Block for 16 years. Tax professional have to take a minimum of 24 hours of class room training every year to be rehired. How many hours do CPAs have to take? Most preparers that I know take many more than that.

As to the person that said any competent preparer would get the same result, that is not necessarily true. For simple returns it may be true, but more difficult returns, the bottom line can change depending on several factors and still be correct.

Last year, my manager wanted us to spend a minimum of 1 hour with each client. I found it difficult to do that because my clients wanted to get in and out quickly. By the way, I had an 85% retention rate.

I had some clients that I told it would be better for them to do their own return because it would cost a lof t for me to prepare it for them. Many of the preparers think that Blocks fees are too high for the simpler returns, but we cannot change the fees.

And, for the record, not all CPAs are tax experts. I have amended several returns that were prepared by CPAs. I have prepared taxes for individuals, corporations, LLCs and partnerships. I am an Enrolled Agent which means I can represent tax payers before the IRS.

Long ago, the gossip was that if H&R Block's name appeared on the return it was less likely to be audited. There's absolutely no truth to that and a number of things rumored around.

The details of one's returns are the only issues which might flag it for audit. There's no reason to NOT take a deduction if you have the proof for it. But, don't go making up amounts just to "maximize" your refund. And, remember, it's YOUR return, so even if Block picked numbers for you, YOU have the responsibility to say, "I don't have receipts; I can't prove that, so don't claim that!"

"Peace of mind" insurance that they SELL you is only good if you're willing to sue them to collect. I've had a client who had to repay over $5000 because they used the wrong filing status. They would not honor the policy. I'm sure each individual office is run differently and there MAY be some good "people". But, their ad doesn't say, "I've got GOOD people." It just says people! And, when you buy their tax program, they make it sound like they'll walk you thru anything. Fine print says that additional charges may apply.

I'm not saying every CPA knows enough to prepare tax returns. But, most do know when they need to know more about a subject and know where to go read. If a preparer doesn't have any questions for you, you have to wonder why. These fast tax chains a publically traded companies. Their entire focus is on THEIR bottom line - not your's. So they pay as little as they have to, which means they are hiring people with little to no qualifications who are actually PAYING Block to take a tax course in hopes that it will result in a job offer.

Sound like the person you want to prepare your tax return?

CPAs, especially independents like myself, who do not work for anyone else, take the time to ask questions that you might not know anything about; to tell you about things you might do to lessen your tax due. I've nearly always spend 30 min on the phone with a person who is just considering making an appt. with me. How else will they know if they want ME to prepare their return. Ultimately, spending time with people is how I make my money, but I look upon that initial contact as my job interview. If I don't make a good impression, I might not get the job! Call Block and see how long they spend with you?

VITA is helpful, but they often don't know when they're in over their heads. They're free, but that's worth every penny you pay.

If you've never been to a prep service before, do yourself a huge favor and ask around and see who others recommend.
A sole practitioner with 0-2 employees may be a much better "hand-holder" than a large CPA firm. Fees are likely to be less, too.

Good luck

H&R Block is not much less expensive than any other tax service. I would find a local CPA firm and get a quote on a return. That way too you can build a relationship with a local CPA that might come in handy later in life, like if you start your own business, inherit money, etc. And according to the CPA Exam, there is only a correct amount of tax to pay, so don't buy this maximizing stuff.

Not they Dont!
they just want your money!

Noooooooo

Don't use them

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