| Tax preparation is a relatively easy career field to | | | | meet with the majority of your clients as they are |
| enter. All you need is a certificate, which is usually | | | | unable to come during the week due to their own |
| obtained through formal via one of the many online | | | | work commitments. |
| training schools or provided by the tax preparation | | | | Transition into Full Time |
| firms themselves. To enroll in a certificate program you | | | | Because of the temporary nature of the work, this is |
| will need to possess either a high school diploma or | | | | also a great way to test whether this is the right |
| GED. | | | | career field for you while gaining some valuable new |
| It should be noted that there are some important | | | | skills. However, if you enjoy the work and are good at |
| benefits in choosing a tax preparation school over | | | | it, there may well be an opportunity that the firm will |
| training with a tax preparation firm. Most of the | | | | hire you on a full time basis after the temporary period |
| programs offered by training schools are conducted | | | | expires. Contrary to popular belief, there is a |
| online so that you can review the coursework and | | | | year-round need for tax preparation assistance. This |
| complete assignments from the comfort of your own | | | | need primarily arises from those firms whose fiscal |
| home and at a time which is most convenient to you. | | | | year doesn't match the traditional calendar year. As a |
| In addition, by participating in an online program you will | | | | result, these firms will need to have their tax returns |
| have a greater choice of where to work, such as | | | | prepared according to their individual quarterly |
| CPA firms, government agencies, as well as private | | | | calendars. |
| and nonprofit organizations. Most of the tax | | | | Start A Business! |
| preparation firms will be training you to work for their | | | | Many entrepreneurial-minded people use tax |
| own office. | | | | preparation services as one revenue stream of a |
| Career Options: | | | | financial service business. Building a business with |
| Temporary and Part time Work | | | | multiple revenue streams is especially important when |
| Becoming a tax preparer is a great way to earn some | | | | one of your services is seasonally-based since you will |
| extra money during the crunch of tax season. It is for | | | | want to ensure a steady cash flow throughout the |
| this reason that the work appeals to retirees, students, | | | | year. Types of services you can add on include payroll |
| as well as stay-at-home moms. There are also some | | | | and bookkeeping. In addition, if you have at least an |
| tax preparers who have a full-time career in another | | | | associate's degree in accounting, you can also perform |
| field but perform this work to supplement their current | | | | accounts receivable and accounts payable for small |
| earnings. | | | | business clients. |
| The income that can be earned over a relatively short | | | | Before setting up the business be sure to check with |
| period of time, usually from mid-January through | | | | the offices of the secretary of state to determine |
| mid-April can amount to several thousand dollars as | | | | what, if any, licenses are needed to operate. In addition, |
| fees typically range from $25. $50. per hour for | | | | if the business will be operated from a home-based |
| preparing individual returns. In addition, the work can be | | | | office you will also want to contact your local zoning |
| performed on a part time basis with a great deal of | | | | board to learn of any ordinances which could affect |
| scheduling flexibility, to include evenings and weekends. | | | | you. |
| Indeed, it during these times when you are likely to | | | | |