Tax preparation?

Hi, I've always kind of had an interest in tax preparation, and was wondering in what might be a good route to go. I've already got a B.A. I've heard of the majors like HR Block, Jackson-Hewitt, Liberty, etc. But was just wondering if anyone has any advice who's been there? Is it possible to start a preparation business on your own, or do you need to be an accountant? I was looking at an associate's in accounting technology if that's necessary. Thanks! I do have a BA but correct, not in accounting...I was looking at some online classes, one of which kind of covers the basics in accounting through accounting technology, in the form of a certificate. I think they offer an associate's as well. Or would it be better to get some study guides for the SEE and take it from there?

Public Comments

1. Worked one season as an IRS tax Examiner (error corrections) does not require that much training for most tax returns
2. You don't need to be an accountant to be a tax preparer. In fact, in the 17 years of tax preparation for H & R Block, I have had to amend returns prepared by CPAs because they were not trained in tax prep. I took all my training at H & R Block's Tax Training School. They start with the basics and then have advanced seminars in various areas. I think they changed there policy so that you agree not to work for their competition if you take their classes. This was because their competition sent their preparers to take their class. I became an Enrolled Agent. This is the only federally licensed tax practicioner that is authorised to represent tax payers befor the IRS. CPAs and attornies can represent clients as well, but they are licensed by the various states. I believe only California and Oregon require tax preparers be licensed.
3. You can take a course through the major tax preparation companies. The person from H&R Block was wrong though, in that they said that H&R Block is better than CPAs. it depends upon the individuals. I have had to fix errors by all the major companies including H&R block
4. Except for California, Oregon and Maryland, you do not have to have any competence at all to prepare tax returns for compensation. H&R Block and their counterparts have low level tax return preparation course designed to train people to do simple returns. They hire the best students to work for a bit more than minimum wage plus a commission. If you have a BA (but not in accounting) you should take some accounting courses and study to become an enrolled agent who can represent taxpayers in the same way as CPAs and attorneys.
5. You do not have to be an accountant to start a tax preparation business. Look into franchise opportunities for Jackson Hewitt or Liberty. The franchise fees are reasonable, you have a recognizable brand name, and they will assist you in getting started.