Comments on: H&R Block CEO Encourages Stifling of Competition

By: Yossi Ben-Zvi

Yossi Ben-Zvi — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:57:55 +0000

Thanks for the revealing video clip, clearly the panel questioning Mr. Smyth have hit on the most important issue, no one besides H&R Block lobbied for this regulation or any like kind counterpart regulation from the IRS. Stifling competition has never benefited any consumer and the spin Mr. Smyth puts on the “call” is well rehearsed.

I’ve been to an H&R Block office, in Lower Manhattan, needless to say my experience was not memorable other than being greeted by a mob of eager prepares who’m to me seemed more like part time cashiers eager to ring me up. The sophistication level was akin to that of an overseas telephone operator rather than a seasoned Tax Preparer looking to advice me and earnestly review my financial records.

Keep these posts coming, I appreciate your effort in bringing me tax news! Love your new site and especially this blog.

Sincerely,

Tax Payer.

By: R&G Brenner

R&G Brenner — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 20:05:48 +0000

And we are happy to have you too Mike! If the IRS exempts HR Block from any or all portions of their future testing policies, then we know there was some back room dealings going on.

By: michael levine

michael levine — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:40:08 +0000

As a former Block preparer who is happy to be working for R&G Brenner, I feel uniquely qualified to comment on this matter. What is left unsaid if that while Block has an excellent training program, especially for its in-service preparers, the client never knows if they are going to be serviced by a competent, experienced preparer or someone fresh out of their training program who has NO experience in dealing with real-life tax situations. If the test administered by the IRS is truly a competency test, at least half of the less experienced preparers working for Block will not pass. Block will fight that possibility to the death.

By: Jonathan Cardella

Jonathan Cardella — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:25:27 +0000

Everyone wants a monopoly… That’s what the FTC, DOJ, etc. are for – to protect the economy and consumers from sharks. Speaking of, it seems that they have been in the news lately with the $19MM settlement to past customers and $750K to the NY DA.

But they were successful in prompting the IRS to enact some new regulations;

“Also Monday, the Internal Revenue Service said it intends to regulate tax-preparation companies, requiring employees of the companies to pay a registration fee to the IRS, pass a “competency” exam and have 15 hours of education a year. Previously these employees weren’t required to meet federal standards.”

Its probably for the best…