Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[kscully]

Has anyone taken the H&R Block course or something similar and could compare it to Universals? It's a lot of $ vs. $149. Please let me know your thoughts...Thanks. :?:

[Monica]

As far as I know H&R only offers the basic class on sole proprietors/individuals. If they offer more extended classes I have not seen this.

UAC's tax course would give a wider scope on taxes.

Monica

[Evangelist Tom Raymond]

I'm not sure either of H&R Block's course, but as the previous poster stated, that H&R Block only offers courses in certin areas, such as business 1120's, individual, and so forth, it's not all in one, but different courses, which they charge you more for each different course you take. I took my basic class at Liberty, and for the price they charged, it's worth it, but in my opinion, if you want to get more in depth on doing people's taxes, whether it's corporations or individual, the money you put into the UAC course will be worth it in the long run, compared to taking the H&R course, then encountering a tax situation from someone, and you don't know how to do it, because you were never trained to handle that situation, and probably if you took the H&R courses that you would get with this course, it would be cheaper to run this course than it would to take the classes through H&R.

[David]

One of the biggest differences between the H&R Block class and Universal Accountings Tax curriculum is that H&R Block is designed for people who aspire to work for them for $10 / Hour plus a bonus. UAC's is for professionals who want to work for themselves and create a business. H&R only trains those who they will hire. It is hard to compare when H&R just teaches their software.

UAC's Tax course is CTEC approved for those California Tax preparers

[truck38]

David -

I have to disagree with you. As I previously mentioned I have previously taught the H&R Block curriculum. With that in mind, I have a pretty good grasp on how they operate their tax school.

I disagree with you that Block teaches their software. They do not. They teach manual tax preparation using IRS and state forms. The purpose in doing that is so that people will understand the process of how to complete a tax return. This is helpful once you start working in software to be able to logically think about what the software is doing and what supporting forms and worksheets are required. Block does not teach software until AFTER they have hired an associate.

Having said that, I do agree that Block is becoming very restrictive in who they will allow take the class. They are no longer allowing anyone who works for a competitor or who plans to work for a competitor enroll and all students must now sign a non-compete disclosure.

Do people really aspire to work for a company like Block at $10/hr.? I don't think so. But I do have to admit that their curriculum is thorough. It teaches the basics of 1040 preparation very well. It's not a bad strategy for someone who wants to take their course and work for them for a year or two to gain practical EXPERIENCE and then move on to self-employment.

In that respect, I would encourage anyone who already has taken a Block course and who wants to move on self-employment to explore UAC. There's nothing wrong with diversifying your education, especially in California where we have to take a certain amount of continuing education each year.

UAC curriculum is definately more appropriate for individuals who want to start their own practice. A broad-based education is usually more appropriate for the entrepreneur.

[Richard Noot]

[quote="truck38"]David -

I have to disagree with you. As I previously mentioned I have previously taught the H&R Block curriculum. With that in mind, I have a pretty good grasp on how they operate their tax school.

I disagree with you that Block teaches their software. They do not. They teach manual tax preparation using IRS and state forms. The purpose in doing that is so that people will understand the process of how to complete a tax return. This is helpful once you start working in software to be able to logically think about what the software is doing and what supporting forms and worksheets are required. Block does not teach software until AFTER they have hired an associate.

Block IS INDEED DOING AWAY WITH THE MANUAL SYSTEM. It depends where the office is located. A close friend is a Master tax preparer with them and he mentioned that in St louis they are indeed converting over to teaching the software. The feeling is they are trying to keep from teaching the competition and instead train data processors who they can pay $10.00/ hr instead.

[David]

Richard....

You make my point. Block is changing what they do and how they do it. If someone wants to work for them, they are taught (But for just a small salary plus bonus). But as you say, they are starting to train just software.

I have been to all of the IRS forums and I am hearing more and more from Block employees that they have done what you and Truck have done.... Work for yourself, which is my point. If someone wants to make what they are worth and work for themself, the UAC program is what you want to do. If your ok working for someone else for a significantly less money... a $149 course may work.

Again, H&R this year will only train those that they hire.

[Leave4Lois]

I've taken the H&R block first course. I am presently on the 2nd Module in the Universal course and it has already beat the H&R block! I highly recommend it.

[scotti445]

I feel (having never done it and listening to people on here who have) H&R block may limit you to tax accounting only.

[Cicero]

In all things accounting and tax universal is the way to go. I am biased as a very satisfied client of universal, but if I were going to train a new employee I would pay the additional amount to train them with universal and consider it a bargain. Companies that consistently out perform my expectations are few and far between.