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. |
