What types of tax preparers are there?
At a glance
- The types of tax preparers can range from Enrolled Agents (EAs) licensed by the IRS to Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) licensed at the state level, each with specialized expertise to meet your unique tax needs.
- Find a tax preparer who fits your situation—whether you’re retired, self-employed, serving in the military, investing, or living abroad, H&R Block offers professionals trained in specialized areas of tax.
- Get year-round support from trusted tax preparers—H&R Block Tax Pros are available beyond tax season to help with tax planning, life changes, and more.
When it comes to tax time, you may find yourself among the millions of taxpayers who look to a tax professional to file their returns. But, have you ever considered what the various types of tax preparers are?
Types of tax preparers at H&R Block
At H&R Block, we know not all taxpayers have the same filing needs. Here, you’ll find tax professionals with extensive training and experience. Many of our Tax Pros hold professional licenses or specialize in focused areas of tax to help you navigate any filing need.
Professional tax licenses at H&R Block
- Enrolled Agents (EA) – These tax pros are licensed at the federal level by the IRS. Learn more about our enrolled agents.
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA) – These specialists are licensed at the state level to practice accounting in tax and other financial matters. Find out about the CPAs at Block.
Areas of specialized tax expertise
- Retirement – Your tax situation can change once you enter your retirement years. These tax professionals let you enjoy your well-deserved retirement while they take care of your retirement plan related taxes.
- Small Business/Sole Proprietors – Running a business? Let our tax preparers navigate the unique tax situations and ever-changing laws that business owners face.
- Military Service – To help those serving our country, we have tax professionals that understand the impact military service can have on your tax filing and help guide you to make sure your return is accurate.
- Investment Income – Your investment portfolio can affect your current and future tax situation. Our tax experts understand the impact of your gains, losses and more.
- International Taxation – Working or living abroad means special tax requirements when you file your U.S. return. You can trust our expat tax pros who are specially trained in international taxation to help you find your way.
Tax preparer FAQs
Does H&R Block offer tax services with no surprise fees?
Whether you file with a tax pro or DIY, H&R Block offers a No Surprise Guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about surprise fees.
- Filing with a tax pro – As the only major national brand with upfront, transparent pricing, your tax pro can walk you through the cost of tax preparation, outlining a price estimate including any fees, before you even start the filing process. We do offer a flat-fee tax prep for
- Filing online –Our Price Preview tool offers transparency throughout the filing process in real time. If your costs change for any reason, the Price Preview will update automatically, so you’ll always know how much you can expect to pay.
H&R Block offers flat-fee tax prep for state-level tax returns (exception: H&R Block Online Free and H&R Block Plus offers state tax filing for free).
Approximately 52% of filers qualify. Simple tax situations only Form 1040 and no schedules except Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions. Find eligibility requirements at HRBlock.com/free. Qualification for free filing with H&R Block Free Online and TurboTax Free Edition is based on specific criteria. Eligibility requirements may vary. TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc.
Do H&R Block tax pros provide year-round advice, not just filing help?
Yes, H&R Block tax professionals are available year-round—not just during tax season. Whether you have questions about a life change, need help with tax planning, or want to check in on your tax situation, you can meet with a tax pro in person or virtually. Our tax expertise goes beyond filing, helping you understand your taxes, so you can make informed decisions year-round.
H&R Block offers convenience and expertise
When choosing H&R Block for your tax filing needs, you’ve always been able to find exceptional tax knowledge and service. Now, you can access that same expertise from the comfort of your home with an online tax pro. Whether you just want to ensure you haven’t missed anything or you want someone to take care of your filing from A to Z, we have got you covered! Learn more about virtual tax preparation.
Get help from a real tax pro: Virtually
H&R Block now offers two ways for you to tap into our tax pro expertise virtually. Take advantage of filing your taxes online and relax knowing Block has your back.
- Tax Pro Review is ideal for do-it-yourself filers who like the convenience and ease of online filing, but want the added confidence of an expert’s double check to ensure nothing is missed.
- H&R Block Virtual lets you leave your tax filing to an expert who will prepare and file your return for you. You simply upload your tax documents online and your tax pro takes care of the rest.
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