Tax return preparers are in high demand right now. If you have a high school diploma or the equivalent, great attention to detail, understand basic math equations, can handle several projects at one time, and are a good communicator, you have what it takes to excel in this field! Plus, as a bonus to learning about income tax, you’ll also learn how best to save on your own taxes each year! Since most of us pay about one-third of our income in taxes, it’s a great idea to know something about it!
Start with Surgent’s beginner tax course
Surgent’s Comprehensive Tax Course teaches you to prepare tax returns and research tax issues for most Form 1040 individual, non-business taxpayers; plus the basics of Schedule C/self-employed tax returns.
- 4 Modules, 4 Chapters each (48 hours of CE)
- No prerequisites required.
- California edition is CTEC Approved.
Upon completion of the Comprehensive Tax Course, you’ll be qualified for employment or self-employment as a tax professional and ready to start earning money.
Consider an internship while studying
While learning about income tax preparation, you should consider looking for an internship to start utilizing the skills and knowledge you’re acquiring. You may be able to find a paid internship, but if not, an unpaid internship is still worthwhile, as the time spent with hands on learning is an invaluable way to solidify your tax knowledge. Plus, it could help you make important connections for once you complete the course and are ready to look for a job.
Once you complete the steps above, you can start applying for tax preparation jobs. If you’re looking to work during tax season, it’s best to start several months prior, to ensure you have adequate time for training in your specific role. However, many firms are still hiring right up until tax season, and even during tax season!
With tax knowledge, you can go into many different occupations, including:
- Working as a Tax Preparer for a company preparing tax returns
- Work as a Tax Expert for a tax software company
- Working as a Tax Manager for a company, overseeing other tax preparers, managing a tax office, and preparing tax returns
- Becoming self-employed as a Tax Business Owner either as a sole practitioner or employing others in your own tax preparation business
- Becoming an Enrolled Agent and preparing very complex tax returns and assisting with tax issues, even representing clients before the IRS
- Becoming a Tax Attorney, who specializes in tax law and help with legal tax issues such as unfiled tax returns, wage garnishments, back taxes, and property liens
- Working as a Tax Associate within a larger accounting firm preparing tax returns for clients
- Working as a Tax Professional in a firm handling federal, state, and local income and payroll taxes
- Working as a Tax Professional assisting with business mergers, acquisitions, private wealth, or other specialties