I really want to look into getting my tax license, but I don't know how to even start. Where do you go? How do you get started? Are there certain classes you have to take?
2007-03-24 20:42:57 · 5 answers · asked by ? 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
Are you referring to a CPA license?
First you would need a B.S. degree and have the necessary number of education credits. (A major in accounting usually requires more credits than other business majors). There is a 5 yr. program in which a student can receive a BS as well as a Masters degree after 5 yrs.
You would need to study and pass all parts of the CPA exam. You could study on your own or take a review course.
You would also need the required work experience. Every state is different as to education/work requirements. NY requires 18 mos. of audit work and an additional 6 mos. of other required experience (tax, compilations, reviews, etc.) You would need to work for a public accounting firm to get this experience, and have the firm sign off after you have met the required work experience requirements.
The state of CA may ask to interview the candidate.
Your state's Dept. of Education will review your application and if accepted, will issue you a license #.
To maintain the license, you need to get "CPE" credits. This is continuing professional education. This can be in the form of attending seminars or home study. NYS requires 40 hrs. of CPE per year, or 120 credits in a 3-yr period. There is also a fee to renew your license every 3 yrs.
2007-03-24 21:40:28 · answer #1 · answered by tma 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to find out if you're a retail or a service operation (or both), meaning you either provide a service or you stock goods for resale, these two things make a big difference.
Once you figure this out, your county's business licensing division can issue you a business license, and this in effect takes care of the tax license at the county level. I would further advise you ask the clerk what type of business you have (retail vs. service) so that you declare it correctly, or it may end up costing you more time and maybe even money in the long run, the clerks do this all day long and they should know.
You will then need a Federal Employer Identification number, google for this, I think you can apply online, and a State tax registration number (this one I don't remember, you might ask the county clerk when you're there), but usually involves something to do with the social security administration or something along those lines.
That's it, that takes care of county, state, and federal tax identification and registration.
2007-03-24 21:13:26 · answer #2 · answered by netthiefx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the states of Oregon and California require any type of license or certification to prepare tax returns. The IRS does not require any form of license. Basic tax preparation courses are offered by folks like Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block as well as a number of private schools. The Hewitt and Block courses are geared toward employement with them which is not a bad way to get some "basic" experience. A CPA requires college and experience but would be where the big money is.
2007-03-25 05:05:48 · answer #3 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What do you mean by 'tax license'. If you want to prepare tax returns for a fee, the IRS doesn't require or even recognize any license.
2007-03-25 02:35:44 · answer #4 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can go to the cook county building where the SBA is located (small business administrative) Or just continue your search on line it will give you toll free numbers to call and also how to get grants for small business owners
2007-03-25 03:14:33 · answer #5 · answered by cmtwalls 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋