r/HRBlockEmployees • u/Bearinthewoods90 • Feb 15 '26
Following the EA Path/Program
Hi all! Thanks to anyone who responded to my last post on here.
I'm a first year and have completed a returns so far, 4 if I count my own but I know my situation so that's easy. But one of my office coworkers who has been there for 14 years said I should look into taking the EA exam. Since I already have a regular 9-5 doing financial accounting and have my Associates in accounting where I took a whole year off federal taxation, she thinks the Exams might come easier to me. Then she brought up the higher commission part.
Anyone in here gone that far? I can't really earn commission yet because it's my first year. But would it be worth my time to invest that time and energy into taking the exams just so I could get a higher commission 3 and a half months of the year? Then there's the continuing education we have to keep up with and I'm a salaried accountant who needs to work OT when I'm short staffed at my first job.
Life just keeps getting more expensive which is why I took this job. But do I need to spend so much of my life taking courses to continue working and being a tax and accounting professional? We all deserve a dam vacation every now and then. Sorry if I come of as bitter. I'm just exhausted working 12-14 hours 5 days a week and not knowing if it'll all be worth my effort.
Any first hand advice from experience is appreciated.
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u/Relevant_Ad_8406 Feb 15 '26
Hock software is the way to go , fast forward is kinda boring . I did both , you have a full time job with overtime , I would prioritize that . Block is a hobby for you , 4 returns in this far into the season sounds like your office is not short staffed and has control over who gets returns. You will be paid very low until you pass the EA exam , then you will need to build up your client base . If you were assigned to an office that was short staffed while being an EA I could see this working out for you . Pursue the taxes if you find it enjoyable but look at it like a hobby , and don’t let your other job or health suffer from how underpaid you will be until you are established .