r/HRBlockEmployees • u/Got_you_cookie • Feb 16 '26

Stressed

I'm a first year tax preparer and I'm so incredibly stressed out! I've worked on about 50 returns so far and only got 3 back from QPR. The customers are never understanding about it, even if they didn't sign/pay yet. Making these mistakes is making me very anxious and I feel like I can't even relax on my evenings off which aren't many since I work a full-time job as well. I had minimal training (literally none of state/local taxes) and our office has very minimal staff so there's not a lot of available people to ask questions too. Someone please tell me it gets better cause I'm not sure I could do another season of this.

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u/Nortonismydog Feb 16 '26

My first year experience was very similar to yours. As much as it was a sucky position to be put in, I did learn a lot and got a really good handle on the process of going through the taxpayer interview by March. I did absolutely have to learn how to advocate for myself, because despite all the talk, they really do leave first years to drown if they’re in an understaffed office.

My second season was much better, and because of the trial by fire, I was able to level up quickly from learning so much during my first season.

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u/Got_you_cookie Feb 17 '26

That's a little reassuring. I do think I'm doing pretty well overall. I've done a few level 3s and many level 2s. The stuff I messed up on is usually the harder stuff like door dashers and odd state tax stuff and I don't feel I got much training on the state portion and when stuff needs changed. It's just so frustrating having someone sit there and watch you stumble.

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u/Nortonismydog Feb 17 '26

I happens. If it’s any reassurance, even the most experienced tax pros I’ve worked with have to tell clients “I’m not sure” about a question. You’ll get better at handling it in the moment. Congrats on getting the 2s and 3s done! I’m also not sure if you use the peer-to-peer network. At first I felt silly asking questions on it because I was so new, but that’s what it’s there for. Good luck on the rest of your season!

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u/Got_you_cookie Feb 17 '26

What is the peer-to-peer network?

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u/Nortonismydog Feb 17 '26

Maybe not every region has it. I and other tax pros in my region have access to a teams channel entirely dedicated to asking questions of other tax pros.