H&R Block Embraces Voluntary Certification Program

90th United States Congress (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

H&R Block has become a leader in raising industry standards for tax preparation by embracing the new certification program offered by the IRS.

Tax prepares can voluntarily enroll in a number of different continuing education courses covering topics such as ethics of tax preparation, tax updates, basic tax filings and numerous other selections for which they will receive a detailed record noting the completion of the course. The IRS developed this program in order to make it easier for taxpayers to find individuals who are qualified in helping them prepare their tax returns while also avoiding unethical practices. There is a study that indicates that as many as 42 million Americans have turned to tax prepares with absolutely no credentials to help them with their tax returns. 

H&R Block's CEO, Bill Cobb, in a letter demonstrating support for the program, encouraged the US government to continue utilizing programs with voluntary certification, indicating that H&R Block thinks the United States Congress should implement set standards for tax preparers. However, until such legislation is actually passed by Congress, Cobb believes that the best way to protect consumers is to continue with the voluntary certification program.

H&R Block, based in Kansas City, is one of only a handful of companies that require minimum standards for its staff. Every tax preparer with the company is required to have a minimum of 75 hours of course instruction in tax return and tax law during their first year with the company and an additional 15 hours of additional training in each subsequent year.