I live in NJ.
2007-01-16 07:25:43 · 6 answers · asked by Ana2006 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
The "Franchise" tax shops offer beginning courses in tax preparation (see link). Some CPA firms even send their para-professionals to the H&R Block class.
Another place to look would be your local community college, the class will be less practical, but you will have a better handle on the overall process.
You do not have to be a CPA to prepare taxes, however, if you get your client into trouble you will not be able to represent them before the IRS.
Tax preparers can add credibility as well as the ability to represent clients before the IRS by obtaining the Enrolled Agent (EA) certification from the IRS (See link).
2007-01-16 07:36:00 · answer #1 · answered by CPA 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you do not need to be a CPA in order to be a tax preparer. You only need to be a CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent in order to represent the taxpayer before the IRS.
Unless you want to go to college and take tax classes in the accounting program, so companies such as H&R Block offer tax classes that is specifically designed to teach enough tax law to get someone to be knowledgeable enough to prepare tax returns.
2007-01-16 15:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by jseah114 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/?BecomeAPreparer
http://www.jacksonhewitt.com/Locator/?NJ&keyListener=%5Bobject+Object%5D&searchField=NJ
A friend of mine owns/operates her own Jackson Hewitt franchise. Each year there is a "tax school" where anyone can learn how to prepare a tax return and earn extra money for the heavy part time work needed for the upcoming tax season.
There are 8 Jackson Hewitts in New Jersey and several nearby in PA. Check out the links to find out more info if you're interested.
No, you don't have to be a CPA or be vastly knowledgable in tax law. They teach you everything you need to know and the computer programs they use are very easy to follow.
Go for it!
2007-01-16 15:39:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No you do not have to be a CPA...try Jackson Hewitt Tax Service or H&R Block. They offer tax courses (usually in the fall) - or you can usually take courses at a community college.
2007-01-16 15:32:39 · answer #4 · answered by Weetie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. My brother prepared a tax return for my mother & my brother-in-law prepares tax returns for others. none have a CPA. if still worried wait for CPA or IRS answer
2007-01-16 15:35:29 · answer #5 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
H&R block or Jackson Hewitt. You don't have to have a CPA. You just take a tax exam with the IRS.
2007-01-16 15:28:55 · answer #6 · answered by Smart1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋