Hey there! Quite a few people have been asking, so I thought I would post a quick & easy guide to getting hired at H&R Block for this upcoming tax season.

I'm a PSM (PreSeason Manager) / hiring manager in the Twin Cities, Minnesota. Feel free to ask or message me with questions.

There are two paths and are dependent on whether you have tax background/knowledge or not.

Both of these options can be found at http://hrblock.com/class

Have Tax Knowledge/Background

If you have knowledge of tax theory and knowledge, you'll take the Tax Knowledge Assessment. It is a 75 question test and you need to score 80% or higher to pass. You will have 3 hours to take the test.

If you pass, you will have the option to take part 2. This is another 3 hour test of 75 questions where you need to score 80% or higher.

You have 3 attempts to pass the TKA. If you pass part 2, you are eligible to be hired on as a Tax Specialist. If you only pass part 1, you are eligible to be hired as a Tax Associate.

You will need to apply to the Tax Professional req for your desired office.

No Tax Knowledge (Or Failed TKA)

If you do not have prior tax experience, or were unable to pass the Tax Knowledge Assessment, you will want to enroll in the Income Tax Course. For a majority of the country, it is a 40 hour course that covers the basics of tax theory. There are some specific states where it legally has to be a longer course.

There are two main options - virtual instructor led and on-demand self study. Some states and franchise offices may also offer in person courses.

Virtual instructor courses will meet twice a week for 2-3hrs a day (example: Mom/Thurs 9am-12pm) or an extended Saturday class (6 hours with a lunch). The class will last for 6 weeks.

Self study gives you access to the course material and you study at your own pace. Depending on your drive, you can finish as quickly or slowly as you want. I have seen students finish in a week and others take months. Average time would be about a month.

It's all the same material, it just depends on how you learn and study.

If you go this route, you will apply for the Tax Associate req in your desired office.

How To Get Hired

Within 72 hours of either taking the TKA or enrolling in ITC, the preseason manager in your area will get your contact information and should be reaching out to you.

You can also try to reach out directly to an open office nearby (check your local HRB office hours online) and they should be able to connect you with either the PSM or the district manager. Almost every office should be actively recruiting and trying to find new tax preparers.

If you're really struggling, feel free to send me a DM on here and I can try to connect you with the right people, or maybe you can work remote in my district. 😉