Some observations from Tax Season '09 ( Read more... )

Today was quite the busy day. Besides my scheduled appointments, I managed to squeeze in a couple of walk-ins because the newbies were struggling with their clients, so they couldn't take them. It felt like I was pulled in three directions at once. Anyway, in the space of 5 hours, I cranked out nine tax returns. Tomorrow will also be hectic as I ( Read more... )

While I was in the orinetation session this morning, the Redford office manager called to ask if I was available to work this afternoon. I said that I could ( Read more... )

I received good news in the mail today that the state deemed me eligible for 10 more weeks of unemployment benefits. that'll certainly come in handy for holiday shopping. My benefits ran out this week ( Read more... )

Yesterday afternoon a woman came into the office to sign her tax return and pay for it. I've done her taxes for years. Anyway, she gives me a fruit basket from an upscake market. I thanked her for her generosity.The badket contained lots of apples, oranges, and even a pineapple-- plus some cookies and raspberry preserves. Since it was far too much ( Read more... )

Yet another winter storm pased through, dumping three inches of wet slushy snow on the roads. Many of the counties are running out of salt to put on the roads and are mixing their remaining stock with sand to make it last longer. Anyway, what would have been a busy day turned into one of inactivity as I had two appointments cancel. Both were senior ( Read more... )

Now the higher-ups have passed on a new edict on how to answer the phone. You're now supposed to answer it "H&R Block. Tax Rebate headquarters. May I offer you an appointment?"

The way this company is micromanaged they'll call all of the offices just to see if you're using the right script. @__@

Monday night our office no longer had working water. Apparently the pipes had frozen. We are the only tenant in the small strip center that was once a supermarket. (There was an ice cream parlor at the other end, but they closed in October.) Perhaps the landlord is too cheap to heat the part of the building where the pipes are? The man promised ( Read more... )

Friday I did three walk-in appointments, equaling my total output for the year ( Read more... )

Today was my first day back at work. Orientation for the upcoming tax season. This year's theme is "winning the last two feet". Huh? It looks like HRB is shifting emphasis to on-line tax prep. They're also starting a Tax Pro Finder, so someone could make appointments with a certain preparer on-line. I wrote up a short profile and will have to have ( Read more... )