Despite the abundance of tax preparation software and how-to books on the market, most people are intimidated by the prospect of doing their own taxes and would rather pay someone else to do it. There are several routes one can take to become a tax preparer.
If a person wants to work as a tax preparer, she does not need to go to college to get a degree. People who enjoy learning about tax laws may choose to become CPAs, or Certified Public Accountants, but this long-term commitment isn’t required. Another option is to take a class at a tax preparation firm such as H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt. Many of the courses are free and only take a few months to complete. A large company like these would be a good place to learn how to prepare tax returns if someone wanted to become a tax preparer.
H&R Block provides classes in both English and Spanish, and 90% of its employees complete the in-house tax preparation course. Classes typically last 11 weeks. Classes at Jackson Hewitt are held twice a week for six weeks and are either instructor-led or self-paced. Online instructor-led courses are available. These are just two examples of major tax firms that provide training to prospective employees; however, passing these courses does not guarantee employment.
Students, stay-at-home parents, and retirees frequently fill seasonal tax preparation jobs. During the rest of the year, some tax preparers work at other jobs. Tax preparation jobs are frequently used to supplement one’s income. Tax preparers must take a refresher course each fall to stay current on tax changes, as tax laws change frequently.
Tax preparers are compensated for completing tax return forms on behalf of their clients. The goal is to take advantage of all available deductions in order to lower the client’s tax liability. A tax preparer must conduct a thorough interview with a client in order to obtain crucial financial and personal information.
Someone who wants to work as a tax preparer must be meticulous and able to comprehend complex rules. She must be numerate and proficient in the use of computer programs. Tax preparers must have excellent people skills because they work with the general public. They do not need to be accountants, but they must be able to perform basic math calculations.
In most states, a person does not need to be licensed to work as a tax preparer. Those who want to help others with their taxes only need to learn how to do so. Someone with a strong entrepreneurial spirit might consider starting her own tax preparation business, whether online or in a physical location.
Because tax laws continue to become more complex, there will always be a demand for knowledgeable people to prepare tax returns. If you want to work as a tax preparer, you should take a tax course to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to people who are good with numbers, can process complex data, and have excellent customer service skills.