How to Become a Tax Professional in Minnesota

School provides the easiest path to understanding taxes and passing the IRS exam.

As of June 2010, there are no set requirements to becoming a tax professional in Minnesota. However, the IRS may require you to pass a standardized test in the future. The goal is to protect consumers from individuals claiming to know tax law but in reality do not. Until there are standardized requirements in Minnesota, anyone may become a tax professional. Individuals with an education in accounting and taxes are more likely to find a job or to find clients if they decide to work for themselves.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of school program you would to complete in order to pursue a career as a tax professional. You may decide to get a certificate, an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree to start. Minnesota community colleges offer both certificate and associate degree programs in accounting and tax preparation. There are also online schools and private company courses.

2. Find a program that fits your current schedule, budget and time line. Online programs are usually quite flexible as are programs offered by private companies. Minnesota State University at Mankato offers several different Income Tax Programs for students.

3. Apply for the program you want to participate in. Apply for more than one program in case you are not accepted to your first choice. Complete program requirements and graduate with your accounting or tax degree or certificate.

4. Find a job as a tax professional or work for yourself. The Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants is a great resource for learning about professional groups and local networks, and finding companies through Minnesota that need tax professionals. Finding clients when you do not have any experience will be difficult. Working for a tax organization or in accounting for a company will help if this is what you decide to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Many schools have job placement services that can help recent graduates find employment. Attending a Minnesota university or community college may benefit students looking for local employment in the tax and accounting profession.

• In 2010, the IRS estimated that more than a million people would be offering tax preparation services to the general public. By the IRS adding a test requirement, individuals looking to pay a person or company to do their taxes will know that the tax professionals working on their taxes have a basic knowledge of tax law. A test would help many tax professionals as it would give the public peace of mind and help standardize the profession.

References

• Minnesota Department of Revenue Tax Preparer Resources
• Minnesota Society of CPAs
• Education Portal: Minnesota and Online Tax and Accounting Schools
• Public Radio: Tax Professionals May Face Testing
• H&R Block: Tax Courses and Employment