Posted by DellaCa on 9/4/07 5:25pm
Msg #209324

Tax Classes

I am contemplating taking a class to prepare taxes but which one is my question.In my search I had a lot of info. on H& R Block but no much on Jackson Hewitt ,does anyone have any thoughts on the two??? I did find JH cost less than H&R.
Thanks

Reply by Charles_Ca on 9/4/07 6:02pm
Msg #209330

Re: Tax Classes ~ Liberty Tax Service, buy a franchise?

I keep getting e-mails from these guys and they claim to provide a turnkey tax agency. One thing for sure you won't have to worry about the tax business shrinking or going away, especially they way things are shaping up: its bound to be a growth business!

http://www.libertytaxfranchise.info/index.asp?code=G70-CPC50701-Liberty_Tax&gclid=CL3v06nzqo4CFRwVYAod5QqQFw

Reply by DellaCa on 9/4/07 6:13pm
Msg #209332

Re: Tax Classes ~ Liberty Tax Service, buy a franchise?

I did look into them also Charles but unfortunately I do not have the capitol to get a franchise at this time.First things first learn to prepare. I have an offer to work in a tax office this January as a scheduler and receptionist so I thought I might as well learn what its all about and try to stay with the company after that. I need another income so I can bring in the bacon as well as cook it.

Reply by Charles_Ca on 9/4/07 6:34pm
Msg #209341

A friend of mine who owns a tax service says that H & R ...

Block is the way to go. He started out by taking their classes and then was employed by them on a part-time basis until he got enough clients to go full timeon his own. I have a hard time believing it but he says that there are actually people who have their 1040EZ done by a tax service: whatever. Good luck, keep in touch about your tax service, I have some excellent investment products for your clients that can provide some impressive growth and make you look real good!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 9/4/07 6:40pm
Msg #209343

Perhaps John NorCal will weigh in here, I believe that he is

a tax preparer!

Reply by MelissaCT on 9/4/07 6:42pm
Msg #209345

Re: Tax Classes ~ Liberty Tax Service, buy a franchise?

My understanding about the H&R Block thing is that you make the $$ on sales of other products while you're "preparing" taxes. Forget where I heard/read that one -- maybe on here -- there was a few posts back last month or so about this topic.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 9/4/07 6:31pm
Msg #209339

Jackson Hewitt has had some serious legal problems related to the tax returns filed through some of their offices, and I think some of the major problems have been with franchisees in CA. You might want to do some due diligence and google them for more info. It may just be rogue franchisees, but it also may be a lax attitude from the home office.

Reply by melissa/pa on 9/4/07 8:18pm
Msg #209364

I took the Block classes. They are the best place to start. My Father is a CPA and recommends Block for beginners. I started to work for them after the classes but had to quit b/c I was pregnant and very sick. They paid $7.00/hr in PA and you received add comp based on the number of returns you completed. That is pretty standard. My Father always pays his employees bonuses the end of the season. Hope this helps.

Reply by DellaCa on 9/4/07 8:42pm
Msg #209368

Thank you to all and yes I spoke with John also as he is my tax guy.

Reply by Sandy_MD on 9/4/07 8:50pm
Msg #209370

About 8 years back I took the Jackson Hewitt classes, I found them to be very comprehensive. We first learned everything by hand with the paper form before learning their tax software. I worked for them for 5 years and every year they had professional development classes to teach us about new things coming for the and to refresh our skills form the previous year. My mom took the H & R Block classes not too long after they first started offering them, and she took the Jackson Hewitt classes with me, in her opinion the Hewitt classes taught a great deal more. I also know it is different between franchises because there was a store not too far from the one that I worked at and they did not know as much as we did. With that background I am now studying to take the Enrolled Agent exam, I figure that I will take it next year.

Reply by Todd/OH on 9/5/07 8:49am
Msg #209399

I once worked for H&R. The classes were comprehensive if you are able to keep up with the info overload. Their business model is to pack the customers in to look "very busy" and get 'em out quick.

I came close to working for Jackson Hewitt in management. Things were looking real good until they offered me the job and we talked $$. I couldn't believe how low they would start an educated professional. I have since learned that they create a lot of legal issues for themselves - not correctly preparing tax returns. Their job offer was such an insult.

Reply by DocumentDiva on 9/5/07 4:36pm
Msg #209512

I was a tax preparer for about three years. I took my classes with Jackson Hewitt in CA. You're right in that JH is a lot cheaper but I wouldn't vouch for the quality, at least in my area. A lot of the JH offices are franchised so you might have find one that's better than another.

If you have the money I'd go with H&R but JH will do, as a lot of your knowledge and understanding will come with experience.

I liked being a tax preparer but unfortunately overall the profession doesn't get the respect or pay that it deserves. It's ridiculous that they want to pay you $7 to prepare someone's taxes no less! You have to become very knowledgeable if you want to be any good and the industry doesn't compensate accordingly.

Working in a local H&R or JH office is good experience if you want to eventually venture on your own though.