Can I legally prepare taxes for others without any license?

Question

I would like to prepare taxes for foreigners who worked here legally for a short time and then went back home.

Answer 1

*MOST* states do not require a license to prepare taxes for other people, even if you charge a fee.. unfortunately.

The result is that anyone, regardless of whether they have any training or not, can prepare someone elses tax return, have their customer sign it, and sign it as the paid preparer.

HOWEVER (Important Caveat): When you sign as a paid preparer, you are also signing that you have prepared it correctly, based on the information provided to you by the customer. There are a lot of rules that the IRS places on paid preparers. If you don't know them, and accidently violate them, you may end up with a significant penalty, on top of your client being angry because his/her taxes were not done correct.

IF you are going to prepare taxes for others, I strongly urge you to take a course in Income Tax Preparation. H&R Block and other companies offer courses in Income Tax Preparation. These qualify you to prepare taxes if you go through their programs and graduate.

NOTE: In some states you must have a license to prepare taxes. Consult an attorney in your state to be sure before going any further. If you don't know an attorney, contact your local or state bar association for a referral.

Answer 2

You will have to check with your state, There is not a license needed in many areas other than business licence

Answer 3

I'm not sure.
i think it would be okay if it was just a one time thing. my father usually does mine...and then he mails the back to me to sign and mail off.

if your talking about a situation where you are receiving money for your work...then probably NOT.

Answer 4

make sure you don't sign the return as the preparer.

Answer 5

I've done my relatives' for years. As long as you don't charge, you can do them.

Answer 6

ask the bureau it is much better