How to Become a Tax Preparer

As the tax season approaches, a lot of people seek the help of a tax professional to do their taxes. Becoming a tax preparer is a great way to earn extra cash if you have a full time job. It can also be a great full time or year-round job.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Check schools or online programs that offer tax preparation classes. If you learn faster when you are in a typical classroom setting, then the option for you is to go to school. If, however, you are a type of learner who would rather not be tied to a schedule and be able to do it in your own pace, online school classes would be best for you.

2. Check out tax preparation companies for training so that you can sign up. A lot of these companies will also hire you doing taxes during tax season. If you show that you do well, they may even hire you full time. Find out their fees and what it would take to participate.

3. To become a tax preparer, you can practice by doing your own taxes. This can somehow aid you when you go to formal schooling since you have dealt with it on your own. There is tax preparation software you can avail of to practice with at home.

4. It also helps if you are good with numbers. Being able to use the calculator and adding machine is a plus.

5. Pass the licensing test.

Tips & Warnings

• You need to be at least a high school graduate and/or completed GED to be able to qualify for a tax preparation course.

• You need not enroll in a four year course. Some courses can be completed for a few months.

• Have the perseverance and drive to learn to complete the course.

• Beware of fly by night companies.

• Make sure you are covered with the company's liability insurance if you are working with a tax preparation company doing other people's taxes.