Tax Training Programs
A tax preparer needs training in all aspects of income tax preparation. People have different issues when it comes to taxes. Some people have recently moved, left their jobs, have more than one job, been married or divorced, or any number of other issues relating to their financial circumstances. A tax preparer will need to be able to decipher what information is important and how it relates to the filing of taxes. In addition to good math and analytical skills, a tax preparer needs to have good people skills.
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Degree Programs
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Getting a degree in accounting or bookkeeping from a community college or 4-year university will teach candidates not only how to prepare tax returns, but will also give them a wide range of knowledge in financial issues. The focus for this type of degree will not be on tax preparation, although candidates will learn how to prepare taxes. Coursework will also cover the organization and maintenance of accurate accounting and bookkeeping records, as well as financial analysis, cost and budget estimation, and financial planning. Having a degree will make a candidate more employable overall, but it will take between two to four years to complete the degree requirements.
Certification Programs
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Some schools offer certification programs in tax preparation. These schools may offer a bookkeeping certification that has coursework in tax preparation. Private companies like H&R Block often offer tax preparation courses in an effort to hire new tax preparers for the tax season. This type of program will not only help candidates start a new career, but some cover the training costs as well.
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Volunteer Tax Preparer
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A good way for candidates to get hands on experience as a tax preparer is to take the course to become a preparer for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program or the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. These programs offer free tax help to low income people or people over age 60 who have difficulty preparing their own taxes. The course for basic, intermediate and advanced training is available online through the IRS.gov website, and covers everything from filing basics, credits, exemptions and income issues to screening and interviewing techniques. Experience and certification as a volunteer tax preparer can give candidates valuable experience for future employment.
Online Programs
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A candidate interested in become an income tax preparer, can study financial planning or tax preparation on the Internet. Candidates learn methods for processing and analyzing financial data though introductory coursework in tax planning. State and federal taxation usually requires coursework for a certificate as it relates to personal, business and international income. In addition, candidates learn about investment issues and in some cases retirement planning.
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