| The least expensive way to become a tax preparer is | | | | tax preparation. A good marker is a minimum of two |
| to take an introductory course with established tax | | | | seasons ("tax season" runs from January to April 15) |
| return preparation companies like Jackson Hewitt or | | | | of tax experience and general knowledge of tax |
| H&R Block. These firms have an established | | | | preparation. |
| course that can be completed in a few months. At the | | | | A great way to get this experience is working for an |
| end of your training, you can work for them and gain | | | | independent tax professional during tax season. Just a |
| valuable experience. The advantage to these courses | | | | few weeks of experience can go a long way toward |
| is they are inexpensive and you will learn how to | | | | knowing what's really involved in offering this type of |
| prepare tax returns by hand. That means you use | | | | service to your clients. A small CPA firm or |
| paper, pencil, and a calculator. | | | | independent Enrolled Agent office can help you get the |
| The disadvantage to them is that you will not learn | | | | hands-on experience you need with a safety net to |
| how to use any professional tax preparation software. | | | | have someone else checking your work before you |
| If you choose to work for the company that | | | | venture out on your own as a tax professional. |
| administers the class, you will only be introduced to | | | | Once you've finished your training and gained some |
| their "interview" software that each company uses for | | | | experience, you'll be ready to start offering tax |
| its own tax preparation services. | | | | preparation services as an additional profit center to |
| If you are interested in taking these classes, they | | | | your business. Tax preparation is generally seasonal, |
| usually begin in the fall and run through the end of | | | | but is a nice boost to your bottom line because it is |
| November in preparation for the upcoming tax season. | | | | billed at a much higher rate. |
| Another training option is to take a correspondence or | | | | Once you get some much needed experience, |
| online course. There are several independent | | | | consider becoming an enrolled agent by taking the IRS |
| companies that offer distance courses for individuals | | | | enrolled agent exam. When you pass, you |
| that wish to become tax preparers. It's a good idea to | | | | automatically become enrolled to practice before the |
| have some real experience before you start offering | | | | Internal Revenue Service. |