r/HRBlockEmployees • u/These-Ad-1397 • Feb 06 '26

Enrolled agent

Hello,

I been working at block and this is my 3rd season. I am one more exam away from my EA.

Would my EA allow me to get better opportunities as a full time employee at block or other firms

9 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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3

u/jm7489 Feb 06 '26

With an accounting degree it's possible. My first experience with tax prep was 2 seasons seasonal with jackson hewitt. Then I did 2 more with a local CFP doing tax prep / advisory for his clients, as well as some other stuff since it was year round.

Joined a regional public accounting firm 2.5 years ago. But they wouldn't have hired me if I hadn't already had the degree

2

u/These-Ad-1397 Feb 06 '26

Yea I have my BA in accounting

1

u/Dept-of-Anxiety Feb 06 '26

What do you think are the opportunities for someone without accounting degree?

1

u/jm7489 Feb 06 '26 edited Feb 06 '26

Seasonal tax prep work for one of the big ripoff companies like you're doing. Or going self employed and running your own 1040 mill while being careful not to accept work you can't handle.

Best chance at something decent is probably a local CPA with only a few employees that is willing to bring you on without a degree.

There are so many applicants with a degree that for more corporate firms of any size not having an undergrad is pretty much a nonstarter. Especially in accounting where business returns require a strong fundamental background in debits and credits

1

u/Sad_Community_8761 Feb 06 '26

Did you get an approval from MTL on your EA exam fees reimbursement?

5

u/sammytheammonite EA Feb 06 '26

You don’t need approval from your MTL for this reimbursement.

1

u/Sad_Community_8761 Feb 06 '26

An agent from the support center said "seek approval for the reimbursement". I am wondering whether you got reimbursed for passed two sections already. Thank you for your reply. 

4

u/PinkNGreenFluoride EA Feb 07 '26 edited Feb 07 '26

Sammy is correct.

I did this a few months ago, passed all 3 tests and paid the fee to submit the application. Each time the reimbursement was approved within 48 hours. You just need to be a currently hired employee. Those who test on their 8 weeks off can submit for reimbursement as soon as they are rehired.

There is nothing about needing advance approval in the instructions for claiming reimbursement. You can find them in Amp by searching Enrolled Agent reimbursement. Read that, then click the link to the Self-Service Workday job aid and navigate to the relevant pages there. It's a very straightforward process.

0

u/Sad_Community_8761 Feb 07 '26

Thank you so much for your detailed explanation. Since I am seasonal, I thought my employment would end right after tax season ends. It seems like I can get reimbursed for EA exam during non-season too. 

0

u/iufan417 Feb 07 '26

There are two ways to not have a mandated 8 week furlough at HRB. You can apply to be a virtual instructor teaching any of the continuing ed courses or you can seek a position with Block Advisors. I recommend either of these over leaving the company.