H&R Block classes prepare you for a flexible career

Free tuition for military members is offered

By J.M. Simpson on October 10, 2019

Ever dreamed about working as a tax professional?

If the answer is yes, then, by all means, sit in on "Building a Mobile Career as An Accountant."

The seminar, presented by H&R Block's Courtney McAninch, is both informative and instructional, offering prospective tax preparers a clear view of the career path and its flexibility, along with a job overview. It will be held at the Military Dream Big! Career and Education Fair Oct. 12 at the Marymount Event Center.

"We teach basic tax theory, and hire (students) from our income tax classes," began Tina Whitson, district operations coordinator for H&R Block.

She said the seminar's big asset is that it introduces potential students to theory, H&R Block's work schedule and a path to further growth in the tax preparation field.

"This is a flexible and mobile career field -- you can take this knowledge anywhere you go," said Whitson.

With offices in Australia, Canada, India and in all 50 states, the mobility of the career choice becomes clear.

As to the company, H&R Block has been in business since 1955. Started by Henry and Richard Bloch (not to be confused with the word Block), they began to specialize in income tax return preparations when the IRS stopped doing so. Their first franchised H&R Block office opened in New York City in 1956.

"Students who take our classes are educated about taxes, tax theory and application," explained Whitson.

"We hire from our H&R Block Income Tax Classes to ensure that our tax professionals have the most up-to-date tax knowledge."

Classes are held on Joint Base Lewis-McChord at the H&R Block office on JBLM-Lewis Main, next to the mini mall. 

Lakewood offices are located at 5700 100th St. SW, Suite 405; 9132A Veterans Dr. SW; and 7801 Bridgeport Way W.

A Spanaway H&R Block office offers the class at 15633 Pacific Ave. S.

In a current class at JBLM, approximately 60 percent of the students are military spouses, another 20 percent are veterans, and the remaining 20 percent are non-military.

Students who complete the course receive an H&R Block Certificate of Completion.

"We also offer scholarships to the military members, military spouses, veterans and transitioning service members so they may take our classes for free," Whitson explained.

In describing what students can expect from the 72-hour class, Whitson said they not only gain a great deal in tax knowledge, but also the confidence to prepare taxes.

"We train to the newest laws and applications, and veterans/transitioning service members and spouses are perfect students because they are in the mindset to be trained in something new," said Whitson.

"We are a great team of people looking for new people to join our team," Whitson concluded.

For more information about H&R Block, visit hrblock.com. Questions about the seminar can be directed to tina.whitson@hrblock.com.

Military Dream Big! Career and Education Fair, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 12, Marymount Event Center, 325 152nd St. E, Tacoma