Concerning the major tax preparation services.......?

Between H & R Block and Jackson-Hewitt, which one do you use, and why?

Public Comments

1. J-H level of expertise, training, etc. 2nd place so they try harder--they developed first tax prep software credentials of individual is very important, regardless which service you use, if you don't have an ordinary return
2. It depends on your return. I wouldn't go to Jackson-Hewitt or Liberty with anything more than a basic return. JH and Liberty (and a few others) are known as "RAL Factories". They usually set up in lower income neighborhoods where they can get a higher percentage of RALs (Refund Anticipation Loans) which are highly profitable for the office. Block usually has some experienced preparers in each office but also has a lot of "newbies" every year. Where ever you go, talk to the preparer first and find out their background experience. If you are not comfortable with the preparer, move on.
3. Neither. Once worked for J-H and saw half the employees in two stores fired (or quit after hours were cut drastically) due to mistakes on returns, poor attitude, etc. Saw a number of flawed returns from H&R during this same period. Both firms have some good folks and also lot of new folks they pulled off the street for a second or part-time job. You will pay the same high rates (J-H's average fee last year was $191, see their annual report, pg 28) no matter how weak the tax preparer may be. Try one of the mom and pop places with an experienced, well-trained tax preparer and you'll likely save $, get more personalized service, and no pressure to undertake the high priced RAL loans, or gold-placed guarantees.
4. Block has more extensive training and was the place that worked with the IRS to started electronic filing. They also have a standard guarantee that if Block makes an error on the return and the client actually owes money to the IRS they will pay all interest and penatlies the client would have incurred due to their error. If you have a complicated return ask for an enrolled agent or a preparer that has many years experience. Block has a rating system for the clients to match them up with a preparer with the experience needed for that return. The following is from Block By 1986, Block was handling more than 10 million tax returns each year and had opened offices in Canada and Australia. That year, Block worked with the Internal Revenue Service to introduce electronic filing. Since then, Block has moved further into the digital realm, with tax software and online tax preparation. Beginning in the 1990s, the company began to expand into the financial services arena, offering mortgage, banking and business services.