CPA or H&R Block for questions?

Question

I just moved from CA and WA, and I have a variety of questions regarding taxes and my rented-out condo back in CA. Should I go to a yellow-pages CPA, or should I visit H&R Block? What's a typical charge for an hour's worth of discussion?

Answer 1

HRBlock does also have EA's. They charge a nominal fee not hourly.There should be at least one office open full or part time during the off season

Answer 2

I second the motion for an Enrolled Agent.

Block employs thousands of Enrolled Agents.  Unfortunately, it being the summer, you may have trouble finding one available.  I have known EAs employed by Block that could run circles around any CPA in the country but I have also known some Block preparers that are over their head with all but the simplest of returns.

For future reference:  CPA stands for "Couldn't Pass Again"

Answer 3

Actually, I'd recommend an Enrolled Agent.  They are taxation experts certified and licensed by the IRS.  They're cheaper than a CPA (who can charge hundreds per hour in some cases) and usually are more knowledgeable to boot.  Some will find fault with me for saying so, but I've had more grief from the storefront tax prep mills so I'd never recommend them for anything but the simplest of questions.  Everyone sets their own rates, but you should not have trouble finding a good EA for under $100 per hour in most parts of the country.

Locate an Enrolled Agent here:  http://www.naea.org