Career Options For Tax Preparers
Tax preparation is a relatively easy career field to enter. All you need is a certificate, which is usually obtained through formal via one of the many online training schools or provided by the tax preparation firms themselves. To enroll in a certificate program you will need to possess either a high school diploma or GED.
It should be noted that there are some important benefits in choosing a tax preparation school over training with a tax preparation firm. Most of the programs offered by training schools are conducted online so that you can review the coursework and complete assignments from the comfort of your own home and at a time which is most convenient to you. In addition, by participating in an online program you will have a greater choice of where to work, such as CPA firms, government agencies, as well as private and nonprofit organizations. Most of the tax preparation firms will be training you to work for their own office.
Career Options:
Temporary and Part time Work
Becoming a tax preparer is a great way to earn some extra money during the crunch of tax season. It is for this reason that the work appeals to retirees, students, as well as stay-at-home moms. There are also some tax preparers who have a full-time career in another field but perform this work to supplement their current earnings.
The income that can be earned over a relatively short period of time, usually from mid-January through mid-April can amount to several thousand dollars as fees typically range from $25. $50. per hour for preparing individual returns. In addition, the work can be performed on a part time basis with a great deal of scheduling flexibility, to include evenings and weekends. Indeed, it during these times when you are likely to meet with the majority of your clients as they are unable to come during the week due to their own work commitments.
Transition into Full Time
Because of the temporary nature of the work, this is also a great way to test whether this is the right career field for you while gaining some valuable new skills.
