| The tax preparation career is a great opportunity for | | | | obligations, you can also enroll in an online program to |
| those who enjoy working with people and are good | | | | obtain certification. These courses may be offered by |
| with numbers. It is a misconception to think that tax | | | | both private education companies as well as the |
| preparation services are needed only during the busy | | | | continuing education programs of many local collages. |
| tax season from January through April. Many | | | | With regard to private instructional programs, it is best |
| individuals and companies have a need for tax | | | | to perform careful due diligence by contacting such |
| preparation services throughout the year as a result of | | | | consumer reporting agencies as the Better Business |
| filing for filing extensions. | | | | Bureau to ensure the program of your choice has |
| Listed below are a few strategies to assist you in | | | | a good reputation. |
| planning to become a Tax Preparation Consultant and | | | | A final method of preparing for this career is to |
| choosing the right income tax course. | | | | complete your own taxes, or as much as you can if |
| You may enroll in one of the programs offered by a | | | | your situation is rather complicated. This method is |
| tax preparation service. To enroll you must have either | | | | probably best used in conjunction with a formal training |
| a GED or high school diploma and several companies | | | | program so that you can get exposure to all types of |
| require that you have some experience either field. | | | | situations in completing forms on behalf of individuals, |
| However, there are also firms which will train entry | | | | families, as well as business entities. l |
| level candidates as long as you can demonstrate | | | | There are currently only two states that require tax |
| proficiency with numbers and comfortable win working | | | | preparers to be licensed through their state education |
| with a calculator. | | | | departments. These states are Oregon and California. |
| The best strategy is to call these agencies as early as | | | | However there is much talk of instituting federal |
| September before the new tax filing season and | | | | regulations for the licensing of all those who charge a |
| inquire as to their admission policies. You will also want | | | | fee for the preparation of taxes. |
| to inquire as to their hiring policies upon program | | | | This is of special concern should you seek to operate |
| completion. In effect, you want to know what the | | | | a solo practice. In this event, check with your secretary |
| likelihood is that you will be hired as a regular employee | | | | of state for business licensing requirements. If you |
| after the rush of tax season. | | | | work for a tax preparation company, they likely |
| If you would rather not be bound by a traditional | | | | already have the necessary licensure so this is not an |
| classroom schedule due to family or other work | | | | issue of concern. |