There are a lot of uncertainties right now for people with jobs, people without jobs, and those trying to run a business. There’s no telling how long we will be in quarantine and when we are free to go back to the way things were, there’s no telling the impact this will have on all of us. Businesses risk shutting down, employees risk loss of employment, and for those who are unemployed or underemployed – the job market is going to be tough.
That’s why learning new skills or advancing your current skills is a great strategy if you have time. You’re stuck at home, so why not soak up some new knowledge and make yourself more valuable – and marketable to employers, clients, or businesses? Here are a few ways to do that through the Income Tax School no matter what level of tax knowledge you have.
Looking for a new career?
Tax preparation is a recession proof career. As long as there are taxes, there are individuals and businesses who will need tax preparation services. If you’re looking for a new career that offers flexibility, great pay, and doesn’t involve an expensive degree or license, then tax preparation may be a great fit for you! The Income Tax School offers affordable online courses that allow anyone with a high school diploma, access to a computer, and an internet connect to learn in as little as 10 weeks.
Read more about the advantages of learning tax preparation online.
Take advanced courses
Already a tax preparer? Now is a great time to dive deeper into complicated returns so that you can earn more money. Spend this time learning as much as you can so you can diversify your offerings next season.
The Income Tax School offers Chartered Tax Certificate programs that will not only increase your knowledge, but will enhance your reputation as a trusted tax professional and give you a competitive advantage in your market. We also offer advanced courses for those who want to pick and choose what to learn. Learn more about advanced tax courses here or check out our Chartered Tax Certificates in the video below.
Branch out to offer new services
If you’re a lawyer or accountant, tax preparation is another great service to add to your skill set. If you’re a tax preparer, consider adding accounting, bookkeeping, and/or payroll services.
Earn credentials
Having a tax education is one thing, but having some credentials helps you stand out from the competition. Tax preparers are not required to have a license or go through any standardized testing in order to prepare taxes for the public. There are some ways, however you can earn credentials to prove that you know what you’re doing and have knowledge in the industry.
At The Income Tax School, we offer the option of being trained and gaining a certificate as proof of your education through a program called Chartered Tax Certificate. We do this so that our students can show clients that they’ve been through training and are competent.
A second option is to go through the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), an annual voluntary IRS tax training program for return preparers. The program aims to recognize the efforts of non-credentialed return preparers who aspire to a higher level of professionalism.
A third option is to become an Enrolled Agent, the highest credential the IRS awards. Individuals who obtain this elite status must adhere to ethical standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education (CE) courses every three years. Enrolled Agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), have unlimited practice rights. Learn more about becoming an EA here.
Become a Tax Business Owner
Why not be your own boss? Starting a tax business as a sole proprietor is easy to do. Take this time to learn all about becoming a tax business owner and growing a successful business by reading our Guide to Start and Grow Your Own Tax Business. This 289-page book is your go-to guide to getting started with a tax business today. Learn more about all of our tax business offerings and resources here.