Is it possible to work for H&R block and open a tax practice?

Question

I have good tax experience and want to open my own firm. However, is it possible to build a client base through one of the big firms like H&R block? I know it is not right but they are a big company and they charge too much. Is it possible to pull some of their clients if I eventually open my own business?

Answer 1

If you are talking about becoming an H&R Block tax preparer for the sole purpose of attempting to get clients to use your service next tax season, I would use extreme caution. If you get hired by a franchisee to do taxes for H&R Block clients, you will probably have to sign some type of contract. I am sure there will be wording forbiding you from hijacking their clients. Read the fine print very carefully.

You would be better off starting your firm and offering your services at very reasonable, but competitive prices. Don't make your services the lowest cost in town because getting out of that trap can be nearly impossible. Once people get used to paying the lowest prices it is very hard to justify higher prices. That is why Walmart does so well and keep customers even with terrible customer service. They are the lowest price in town and people will go there just because they are. If they raised their prices, people would go somewhere else.

I hope you see what I am saying here. Don't give up on your dream. Work towards it, but do it so you don't get into trouble.

Good Luck!!

Answer 2

Like the person said previously, use extreme caution. I do not know too much about franchised offices, but company offices do make you sign a contract. It is a no compete clause which is binding, that you must sign to work for H&R Block. You have to watch out with the whole stealing clients. Office Management and other associates may catch wind of what you are doing and relay it to the District Manager. In that case there are some serious consequences. H&R legal team will find some reason to sue. I think its better if you just open your own business and do some old fashion marketing. H&R has marketing teams that go out and meet hundreds of people a day.