Intuit Insider Look Series: Featuring TurboTax Live Q&A
Thanks for attending our webinar. Below is a list of questions asked in the chat and the answers from the TurboTax Live team.
Click to see "On the Job as a Tax Expert" Q&A
What dates will I work for the seasonal tax roles?
These seasonal roles are during the tax season January-April.
Are the tax questions only on individual tax returns or are the topics broader (e.g., corporate/partnership/tax-exempt)?
You will be answering customer’s tax questions and helping them complete their returns in TurboTax.
Does it get busy for TE's after April 15th?
It’s based on business needs.
How do you measure "Performance"? What are the measures?
The majority of our ‘metrics’ come from customer surveys after they have interacted with you. There are other performance metrics not from these surveys (work handled, projects, unsolicited feedback).
What constitutes a "Top Performer"?
Consistent high survey feedback (with quantity as well as quality) is a high performer. There are non-metric based items that can have an impact on this, but the majority is based on customer feedback (survey responses) from their interactions with you.
If you log on to work your hours and there are no questions coming in, what happens? Are you paid for your time or are you paid based upon client questions answered?
Yes, there are times where volume may be lower than expected (or the opposite). The pay is an hourly rate (not based on work performed).
Are you expecting us to grow clients over years?
No, you are not ‘assigned’ clients and expected to work with them beyond the scope of the call or specific question/return being handled.
Are you required to become an EA?
You are not required to become an EA certified; it's at your discretion.
Will I need to spend time telling people where to enter numbers in the software? Or, will I be providing more tax information? Knowledge of software vs tax knowledge?
You will be focused on tax knowledge and prep (we have a different team completely that does product support).
Is there a time limit per client? Or typing speed required?
There is not a required typing speed, but it does help when taking notes or working with a customer (via email or chat). There is not a defined “time limit” but during busy periods – we try to handle calls and resolve issues as fast as possible.
What type of research online tools do you have?
We have several internal tools and resources, and rely on the TurboTax knowledge-base and IRS resources. We also have a group license to a popular tax library that we use. But, one of the largest research tools is the knowledge and expertise of your team.
What do on screen clients do while researching questions?
While you are on a call with a customer and sharing their screen, they are able to see your face (one way, you cannot see them) and you can view their TurboTax screen.
How much time do you get to help solve a question and do research on it? What’s the allowed average time?
Each question is different and there is not a firm time limit for resolving each call. The expectation is to answer as fast as possible – but we all know some questions can take more time than others. If you are on a longer call or the time exceeds the average (around an hour typically) you may be asked if you need assistance. But, it’s expected that some calls will be short and others may take some extended research time.
What if you get questions after the end of the tax season?
Historically, there is a small group of experts who are extended after the end of the tax season for these late filers and calls after the season ends. This extension is voluntary and not expected or guaranteed. But, the customer would not be contacting you directly; the call/question would come directly to our support lines.
Will we just be helping people do their own return or will we be actually preparing some returns?
We have several different queues – some agents do prepare and sign some returns on the customer’s behalf. If you are a high scoring candidate from the video interview, you will be asked to prepare and sign returns.
Is there a quota that employees need to meet?
We do not have a call per hour quota that needs to be achieved. However, these metrics are taken into account for the performance evaluations completed by managers.
I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and I'm bilingual Spanish/English. Can I get calls from all 50 states and can I get the Spanish speaker taxpayers slot?
We do get calls from all 50 states! Please indicate that you are bilingual during your phone screen and on your resume. It is a plus!
How likely are the associates to get tricky questions related to not-so-common state specific tax laws? And what support is available to tackle such scenarios?
Most of the time you will be answering customer tax questions and helping them complete their returns in TurboTax. However, one of the best things about TurboTax is that we never know what questions we are going to get. We have research databases, plus Managers and Leads that can give you 1:1 support during calls
How are calls routed to you? When you finish with a client, how do you let the operator know you’re finished so you can help another client?
TurboTax customer contacts are in a queue and they are routed to the next available Tax Expert. Once you disconnect from the call, add notes, and send an email to the customer, you put your telephone status back to available so you can delight the next customer.
Is there an average length for a customer call?
It depends on the customer’s needs, but as a ballpark, the average handle time is approximately 23 minutes per call.
During your work hours, is it normal to get back to back calls? How quickly do the calls come?
The number of calls vary from day to day. We have ‘peak’ times where calls can be back to back. However, you do have 2-5 minutes between calls allotted to update notes, send an email, etc. We also have breaks and lunches built into your phone schedule, depending on the length of your shift.
What type of returns are you looking into? I do a bunch of individual returns but also I file business returns, like 1065, 1120S 1120 and even 990.
We support Form 1040 with tax advice. For TurboTax Business, we only support navigation.
Does this position support business tax returns such as 1065 and 1120s, or will it focus more closely on 1040s?
Currently, we only support navigation on business returns. You will be answering tax questions solely about individual (1040) returns and all schedules/forms.
Are you able to partner (or is partnering acceptable) to have the ability to exchange shifts in case of emergencies?
You manage your own schedule via an online portal and there is no need to exchange shifts as long as you are scheduling hours within the minimum requirement. Our scheduling tool allows you to release hours easily, and another agent can easily pick them up.
Outside of Intuit's research tools, can we also use our own resources? Such as the quick finder? Or the Master Tax Book as quick references?
We highly encourage using your own resources, as long as they are authoritative. We will provide useful resources to utilize.
Each state has different tax laws. Are we required to know or understand them all?
We don’t expect anyone to know all of the laws in every state. We have great resources to make it simpler to assist customers from every state. The Leads are also a fantastic resource. You’ll be required to have knowledge of tax laws, tax concepts and familiarity with form 1040 and schedule.
How long before you become an enrolled agent? How can I obtain the EA credential?
The Enrolled agent exam consists of three parts – you may take each part up to four times during the test window. If you are a Tax Associate, you will receive information via our ProDev program on obtaining your EA.
I have a tax practice of 22 years. I use a software program that's not TurboTax. How would that work?
You will receive training on our programs.
If you are living with a client, how do you take the time to research?
You will have the opportunity to research while talking to the customers; you will be provided with the appropriate tools.
Do we use Zoom when interacting with clients?
No, we do not use Zoom while working with customers. We have our own one-way video software that we use with TurboTax. We also connect with them via chat or phone through our support software.
Will individuals be assigned to specific tax topics?
While we do have software that will route calls based on the complexity, you will get a variety of questions and each call is different.
What is the process to become a lead / manager after becoming a TurboTax Live Expert? How many years does this take?
If you’ve worked in a tax expert role for one full season, are credentialed and have great performance.....you can apply for the following tax season.
Is it possible to assist Spanish speaking customers only?
No, it’s for both English and Spanish.
Will we be helping TurboTax users that use all the different versions of TurboTax? Including the online version?
Yes, we support desktop and online users.
Are we able to see the customer's screen to assist with troubleshooting tax issues?
Yes, our customers will need to give you access to screen share so that you can access their TurboTax screen.
Can we keep our outside customers? And can we use the software or computer provided?
Yes, you are able to keep your current clients (as long as you do not work for a direct competitor such as H&R Block, Liberty Tax, Jackson Hewitt, etc). All Agents get a free copy of TurboTax to use for themselves as well as friends and family.
As a tax expert, are you required to sign an individual's tax return that is self-prepared?
It will all depend on the complexity of the customer's return.
Do you clock in and clock out and get paid by the hour? Or do you only get paid based upon time spent on calls?
You clock in and out via our Workday tool. You get paid for your scheduled shifts - you stay in "available' to take calls.
If a customer has a question a tax preparer does not know, what happens?
We have a big expert network of tax pros who you can get advice from. You will not be alone!
If you are a CPA, who assumes the liability for the tax returns you assist with?
If you are working with a TurboTax customer during your working hours, you are covered by Intuit!
I use Proseries for my business. Do you think I can assist people with TurboTax questions?
It is much more important that you have experience doing individual income taxes (or have an earned credential) than knowledge of a specific tax software.
Why do you need PTIN if you’re not preparing returns but only answering questions?
The Tax Associate role is Preparing Returns. The Credentialed Tax Expert role is giving advice up to and through signing returns. Both require a PTIN.
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Click to see "Training" Q&A
Will you pay for EA certification for someone who is already a CPA?
Unfortunately, we only offer the EA program to our new Tax Associates that do not have active credentials.
Is there a fee associated with the educational training to get your EA?
If you are hired in a Tax Associate role, Intuit will pay for the EA program.
Can you go directly to IRS to get your Enrollment Agent Credential?
Yes
What does training consist of?
The training will consist of a mix of self-paced and live mix of training.
Are we paid for the training segment?
Yes.
How long is the enrolled agent program?
It all depends on each individual person and how long it takes to complete the required EA exams.
Is the training during a fixed time of day? Or, is the training schedule also flexible?
Training is about 10 days. The self-led training is on your schedule. The live training session has many different time slots available.
What does the program to become an EA cover?
Intuit offers a program that helps you prepare for and take the EA exams and obtain your EA credential by providing access to study materials through an education provider that we’ve partnered with, exam support, and live support. Intuit offers financial support (with a cap) to cover the cost of taking the EA exams.
What type of training do you offer?
Self-paced and live mix of training
Is training compensated?
Training is paid by the hour, same rate of pay as the role.
When will training begin?
On your start date.
What research tools are available to us from Intuit?
During training, you will be provided with the appropriate tools
Is EA training available?
Yes, once you are an associate you can join our EA program (paid for by intuit).
Are CPE credits available for any training?
No not for these roles.
Are there any webinars/training for individual state tax laws?
We do not offer specific training for each state, but will address some of the larger and more commonly asked state questions in training. There are resources available (both for your research and also support from leads and managers) when a situation arises and you are not familiar or comfortable with answering.
In order to get a PTIN, I need 18 federal credits. Does Intuit provide free courses to obtain these required credits?
Intuit does not provide courses to obtain the credits.
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Click to see "Qualifications" Q&A
I am a retired CPA without a PTIN. How long does it take to get a PTIN?
Sure, you can go to the IRS.gov site to apply.
I currently have the opportunity to work for Intuit ProSeries through FasTrack Connect/Arise. Is this something I should consider?
It's at your discretion if you decide to work via Arise. Those are 3rd party vendors that handle recruitment on their own and our Talent team is not a part of that.
If you are already a CPA, do you recommend also getting your EA?
It’s not required that you have both for the role.
Can someone working for a competitor (Block, Liberty) apply for Intuit's tax jobs?
Yes, you can apply; however, you cannot continue to work for a competitor during the same tax season.
How long before you can become an enrolled agent?
The Enrolled agent exam consists of three parts – you may take each part up to four times during the test window.
We might be moving overseas next summer. Can I work from another country?
No, these roles are only within the U.S. and Canada.
I do not use TurboTax Live in my practice. Is this an issue?
Prior use or knowledge of Turbo Tax is not required
My CPA license is currently inactive. Do I need to reactivate it for this opportunity?
If you are interested in applying for a Tax Expert role, it does require an active credential. Otherwise, you can apply for our Tax Associate.
I use Proseries to prepare tax returns and have never used TurboTax. Is this not a fit for me?
We welcome your tax expertise and having used TurboTax is not required. Please apply!
Can you work as an independent contractor rather than an employee?
The current roles we are hiring for are W2 only, no 1099 contractor roles.
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Click to see "Recruiting" Q&A
After the interview, how long should I wait to hear back from my recruiter?
Typically, around 1 week. Reach out to your Recruiter if it’s been longer than a week or so.
Do you have to apply every season?
Rehires are welcome back without interviewing.
What does the background check consist of?
Criminal/employment checks.
My PTIN will expire at the end of the year. Will Intuit pay for my renewal?
Intuit does not reimburse for PTIN renewals.
Will we get the result for hirevue even if we will not be hired?
Yes, typically within a week of completion.
Do you check with current employers before hiring? I wouldn't particularly want my employer to know I was working outside of the office.
No, we don’t contact current employers as a part of our hiring/screening process.
I am a CPA but in inactive status, does that disqualify me?
You would not qualify for the Tax Expert role, but would qualify for our Tax Associate role.
How long after the virtual online interview is complete will you hear back from someone?
Within a week or so depending on how soon the Recruiter receives the interview results.
How long does the background check take?
It’s on a case by case basis depending on each state and county.
Normally, how many days does it take from interview to verbal offer?
It varies and depends on how soon the interview results are shared and then the Recruiter will reach out.
Does Intuit provide the opportunity to become a tax expert if I don’t have the experience?
If you are in a TA role, Intuit does provide opportunity to become an EA and interview for a Tax Expert position.
Is this position commission or salary based?
The role is hourly and based on the state you live/work in, plus you may receive a performance based bonus.
Is direct deposit available?
Yes, we do offer direct deposit.
I had issues when doing the video answers. Can I redo the interview?
Unfortunately, once an interview is completed, we do not resend interviews. If your interview was not successful, we encourage you to retry when you are eligible.
Is Intuit looking for Bilingual candidates?
Yes, we are always looking for Bilingual Agents with great tax experience and customer service skills.
I worked last season as a Tax Associate and I want to return but as a Tax Expert (I have a CPA). Do I apply and go through the same interview process as last season?
Yes...because it is a different role, you will need to interview again.
Once we start working on one tax season, do we need to continue to the next tax season, or do we have options year by year?
Yes, you will commit to one tax season at a time.
When we have the hirevue interview are we allowed to use our phones to research questions?
Yes, you can utilize any available resource to do research.
I don't have any experience with taxes. How do I get the training and license?
I would recommend signing up with VITA to get some experience.
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Click to see "Working" Q&A
Do you supply the 2nd monitor or do we need to obtain it on our own?
You can purchase one and we'll walk you through connecting it.
Cybersecurity: how are we protected?
You'll connect to us, through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and using a Single Sign-On multi-factor authentication.
What equipment will Intuit provide?
Intuit will provide a laptop, along with a video camera and headset.
What are the minimum speeds for upload and download?
Requirements* | PC | Mac |
---|---|---|
Internet Connection* | 5.0 Mbps download 3.0 Mbps upload 150 ms latency |
5.0 Mbps download 3.0 Mbps upload 150 ms latency |
Can you have a wireless connection or does it have to be hard wired?
It must be hard-wired; wireless is not allowed for security reasons.
Is there an internal tech support system for help with technical difficulties, laptop crashes, etc?
Absolutely.....we have our internal IT department for tech assistance.
Where can I work from?
Anywhere you are comfortable working from is fine. However, you cannot be working simultaneously for your other job.
Do I need a separate internet connection for Intuit?
No
Does hotspot provide the requirement for high speed connection?
Hotspots are not allowed.
Is there an approved list of monitors that will work with the laptop - or any special requirements?
Generally, the typical plug & play monitor will work. The ports are USB or HDMI.
Is there a cost for all the equipment that is furnished?
No cost to you!
Do you need a landline?
Landline is not required. Only stable internet connection.
Can you work from anywhere remotely within the US during the season?
Yes
Hide "Qualifications" Q&A
Click to see "Schedule" Q&A
Are the hours flexible? Can you add more one week and less another?
Yes, once you have selected your schedule for the season, you will have access to our scheduling portal so that you can adjust your schedule if needed. But, you must work a minimum of 20 hours per week for the season.
Is this 40 hours a week or more?
The hours are flexible. You start at 15-20 hours per week as a base and can add more hours as desired.
When are the tax season operating hours?
Tax season operating hours are Jan - April, 7 days/week, 5am-9pm Pacific Time.
Can you work overtime?
Yes, based on business needs.
Can hours be broken up throughout the day?
You can do split shifts in 4 hour blocks of time.
I want to work 40 hours a week. Is this possible?
During the tax season, it's not at all odd to work 40 hours per week.
What is the minimum hour requirement?
20 hours per week is the minimum.
What type of additional hours are required during peak?
Between 30-35 hours/week during peak.
Is there the possibility of continuing to work after tax season?
There are some opportunities for work outside of the season - dependent on volume and staffing. But this is not guaranteed.
If I must travel for my permanent job, can I still work via WiFi in a hotel?
WiFi from a hotel is not allowed due to security reasons. Agents can work from multiple locations as long as they are hard-wired and successfully complete the required internet speed test.
What if I can only work 32 hours during peak season?
Make it clear to your recruiter upfront– we will probably be able to work it out.
What if hours are not available when making my schedule to fulfill the requirements?
Our internal portal will have the available schedules based on the business needs for Peak and Non-Peak. If there are no schedules available please reach out to your Recruiter for assistance.
What is the max amount of hours you can work during tax season?
There is no max number of hours; you can sign up to work for as many hours as you prefer.
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Click to see "Benefits" Q&A
Are there minimum work hours to qualify for benefits?
We are looking for Agents that can work a minimum of 20 hours/week. We do not offer Medical/Dental/Vision, but do offer participation in our 401k plan and discounts on various Intuit tax software.
Do discounts include Proseries?
Yes.
As a TurboTax Live Expert, what other benefits do you get besides 401K savings plan?
You get discounts on various Intuit tax software and the opportunity to work with the BEST TEAM EVER!
Do you offer unemployment compensation?
Yes, but please double check your state's requirements.
I am a lacerate user. Are there discounts on that?
Unfortunately, we do not offer a discount on Lacerte.
What are the details of the 401k benefit?
What is the discount % on Intuit products?
It depends on the product. All employees get a free copy of TurboTax Desktop or a free TurboTax Online filing.
Do you reimburse the cost for becoming a CPA or just an Enrolled Agent?
We do not offer reimbursement for either if anyone does it on their own. Once someone is hired in a new Tax Associate role, we will provide information to our Pro Dev program to work on obtaining the EA license (this is the program that Intuit will cover the cost).
When is assistance available for the EA testing?
Once someone is hired in a new Tax Associate role, we will provide information to our Pro Dev program to work on obtaining the EA license (this is the program that Intuit will cover the cost). Once accepted in the program, we offer free access to Fast Forward Academy, live Study Sessions, and mentorship to help you succeed.
Do you also offer employee discounts on QuickBooks products?
At this time, Intuit does not offer discounts on QuickBooks.
Can I use TurboTax Software for my personal Tax Clients also?
No, that is in direct violation to the TurboTax licensing agreement.
Do you have a program to help get your CPA?
Unfortunately, not at this time.
How does paid sick leave benefit work?
We do not offer sick leave for seasonal employees.
You mentioned that Intuit offers training to become an enrolled agent. Do you also offer continuing education?
You can access the Intuit Academy for more free, online training programs.
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Click to see "General" Q&A
Can I get assistance getting a PTIN?
Please visit here
Are your associates self-employed or are they employees of Intuit?
This role is a W-2 seasonal role.
Would pay be direct deposit or paper check? How often are employees paid?
Both direct deposit and paper check are available. You will be paid every two weeks.
Is there an opportunity to get employment after the season?
Our roles are on a seasonal basis.
For the separate internet connection, when do we need to have that active in the interview process?
It must be available by the time you take the post-offer computer test.
Is there opportunity for FTE roles?
You are more than welcome to search our career site for a list of current openings; however, these tax roles are not FTE roles.
Am I able to change locations during tax season?
We have agents that work in different locations during the tax season; and you would be required to successfully complete the internet speed test at any location.
How is compensation handled?
You are paid an hourly rate, plus end of season bonus.
How much more do we make if we speak Spanish?
Your recruiter will be able to confirm bilingual pay rate once your Spanish has been verified.
Which category does the IRS annual season program fall into?
You can find more information on that here
What is a PTIN? How do I get one?
It is your “Personal Tax Identification Number” from the IRS. You can apply for a PTIN by visiting here. If you are hired for either the Tax Associate or Tax Expert role, we will require an active PTIN.
Can you do the phone only?
Agents are not able to do phone only. This role requires both phone and video.
Do we sign a non-compete contract?
No
Would your E&O insurance cover my personal clients?
No, it will just cover the TurboTax Live customers you assist.
Can we do this as an incorporated LLC rather than a W-2 employee of Intuit?
This role is solely a W2 for Intuit.
What about other languages besides Spanish?
We welcome all other languages, however since we offer TurboTax in Spanish, we have a Spanish cue for callers.
Do you still have ProSeries? And can we work on that instead of TurboTax?
At this time, we do not have roles for ProSeries.
If you have other licenses that could help clients, can you suggest and service the clients?
No, we do not want our agents providing any other service to our TurboTax customers.
Hello, is it possible to work with TurboTax Live at the same time as QuickBooks Live?
Unfortunately, you are not able to work in both roles consecutively.
Is it possible to find out about the QuickBooks Live team opportunity? Can you transfer easily to that position?
Yes! If you are currently in the process, just let your recruiter know so that you can get more details on QuickBooks Live.
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Click to see "Canada" Q&A
Are there any entry level positions for Canadians?
Unfortunately, not. All positions in Canada require our experts to have at least 3 years of paid tax prep experience with at least 150 returns processed each season.
Would you be considered for any role, if you are a CPA in Canada and do not have tax preparation experience?
Tax preparation experience is required.
Can you provide a range of compensation for the various positions, particularly in Canada?
We offer competitive rates based on your location of residence. We encourage you to please apply and a recruiter will contact you to discuss compensation further.
If someone has the accounting background but did not do any tax season, can they apply in Canada?
Unfortunately, previous tax preparation experience is a key requirement for this role.
In Canada, do you hire remote tax experts as contractors rather than employees?
All of our experts are seasonal employees with Intuit.
What is the discount on ProSeries tax software?
Our expert community is provided a copy of TurboTax for free in season.
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