Tax Preparers
Every year, around April 15, thousands of Americans start getting nervous and develop sudden stress headaches. The advent of tax season is enough to give many people ulcers. Filing taxes is a daunting task but the chance of receiving a nice tax return inspires people to forge forward. Unfortunately, it is difficult to maximize your tax benefits on your own; that is why so many people turn to qualified tax preparers. These highly-trained, hard-working individuals know exactly what to do to cut the risk of paying more while maximizing any refunds that are due. Becoming a tax preparer lets you work in a challenging career that allows you to use your quick thinking and ability with numbers to help others.
How to Become an Accredited Tax Preparer
Career training for accredited tax preparers is relatively simple compared to that required for other careers. It requires completion of a tax preparation course that teaches students about the tax code including allowable deductions, possible exemptions and tax shelters, and ways to minimize taxes. You will also need to know how to properly file individual, business, and corporate tax returns. There are a wide variety of online courses that you can complete to acquire the knowledge necessary to become a tax preparer.
After completion of an online course, those who wish to become accredited tax preparers must complete three years of tax preparation, including a variety of returns. After completing this experience, candidates can take an exam through the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation. The exam consists of roughly 60 multiple-choice items on a variety of tax topics and procedures. The exam must be completed in three hours with a minimum of 70 percent answered correctly.
Alternatives to the Accreditation Exam
People can become accredited tax preparers without taking the exam through a variety of alternative routes. You may gain accreditation if you can prove you have successfully completed at least 60 hours of qualified education credits as determined by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation. You can also avoid the exam if you are a Certified Public Accountant, lawyer, or have an master’s degree or higher in taxation.
After completion of their training, accredited tax preparers must stay up-to-date on changes to tax laws. This requires reading related articles and books as well as participating in continuing education efforts on a regular basis. Tax preparation is a lucrative, challenging career that is in high demand. If you are one of the millions of people who are looking for a new career, you may wish to consider becoming a tax preparer. This job is especially desirable if you enjoy working with numbers, are detail-oriented, or enjoy finding the solution to challenging problems. If this sounds like the right career for you, take the first step toward your new, improved future and find an online course in tax preparation today.
