If I want to work part time as a certified tax preparer during tax season, what degree do I need? Certificate or Bachelors?
How much could I expect to earn compared to the cost of a student loan, in other words, is the degree a wise investment for this job?
2006-08-30 18:29:08 · 7 answers · asked by anonymoususer987876 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
Currently, all you need to do is hang out a shingle to start doing tax returns. However, "the Senate's top tax writer (Chuck Grassley) is pushing a plan to license return preparers who aren't CPAs, lawyers or enrolled agents. That proposal is likely to become law soon. Unlicensed return preparers would have to pass a test and renew their eligibility every three years. the earliest that the IRS could implement these procedures would be 2008". That quote is from the Kiplinger Tax Letter, July 28, 2006.
That said, a person with a bachelors in Accounting could probably expect to make anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000/year in the first year, depending on where she's applying and in what market. Obviously, big cities with big accounting firms pay more than small market companies. You could easily pay back your student loan if you have a degree and can get a job. The market for accountants right now is hot, so it's probably a good major.
2006-08-31 09:23:40 · answer #1 · answered by SuzeY 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
USC Business School or Accounting School has good tax programs that can help you achieve your goal. But just to be a tax preparer, you do not need a degree, a certificate is sufficient enough. With a degree however you can become more varied, like tax consulting, tax audit, etc. The average start up salary for someone with a bachelor degree in this field is about the same as that in accounting, which is about 30-45k/year, depending on your grades, internship and interview results.
2006-08-30 18:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by economiss 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to be able to sign off as the paid preparer on the return, then you need to be an EA (enrolled agent) or CPA.
If you just want to prepare the return, you don't need any degree. Just an employer that is willing to let you prepare returns.
they have classes at H&R Block and you can work for them but I was told that they pay around $8.00 per hour.
2006-08-31 08:39:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
If you want to work for a major firm than you would be better off getting an accounting degree. However, if your just thinking about doing this part-time, you can get certified through hr block. Goto their website and you'll find out more there. As to how much you can possibly earn, if you plan on working by yourself ,you can set your own price. Good Luck and I hope this helps.
2006-08-30 18:51:03 · answer #4 · answered by y d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
H & R Blocks tax school is in my opinion the best school for learning individual income tax. They will also employ you if you pass the class. The pay is not great though. CPA firms etc. usually require experience and pay better. You really don't learn all that much about individual taxes in a college business program.
2006-08-31 08:09:33 · answer #5 · answered by irongrama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You only need to get certified. Having a degree may help with other things but you don't need a full bachelors. Check with your local community college for courses.
2006-08-30 18:41:49 · answer #6 · answered by Joe H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there such school specific for tax preparer , and some of them offer a fast track schooling that you can take in couple of weeks (4 to 8 ).
2006-08-30 18:35:05 · answer #7 · answered by frend 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋