H&R Block continues ad series
The AICPA and many state societies share concerns about, a new series of H&R Block ads using the term “certified tax professionals.”
Earlier in the tax season, the AICPA was successful in persuading H&R Block to pull ads that promoted their tax services at the expense of CPAs and the CPA profession.
The AICPA contacted H&R Block about the latest ads and learned the company defines “certified tax professionals” as CPAs, tax attorneys, IRS enrolled agents and tax specialty actuaries.
AICPA research has not found this use of the term to violate accountancy laws and regulations. It reports that a representative of the H&R Block Tax Institute, in response to an inquiry, recommended that consumers and businesses looking for a tax professional visit www.AICPA.org, www.IRS.gov, and the H&R Block web site for more information.
The AICPA is also evaluating this phrase used in the advertisements: “We found errors on four out of five returns prepared by others.” While the phrase most likely does not rise to the level of an accountancy law issue, CPAs wishing to express their concerns could file a complaint with the attorneys general offices, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau.
In a related issue, AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon sent a letter to Jackson Hewitt asking for an immediate stop to several CPA-derogatory print ads. Jackson Hewitt responded that the ads were placed erroneously by local Jackson Hewitt franchisees.
In Ohio, OSCPA is continuing its image campaign that continually positions CPAs as trusted business advisers through a wide range of outreach programs, including:
- Tax call-in programs in conjunction with radio, print and television media
- Expert financial planning and business advice in print and electronic media
- Free CPA referral service
- Operation CPA free tax preparation services for deployed Ohio National Guard members
- Accounting for Kids Day in school financial literacy program
- Financial Fitness Ohio programs to educate the public about sound financial strategies
If you have any questions regarding the response to H&R Block, please contact Amy Johnson, OSCPA senior manager, public relations, at ajohnson@ohio-cpa.com.
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LAST UPDATED 4/8/2009