What is involved in becoming a Tax Preparer?
Darwin C. Weyh
Bruce
<10350...@CompuServe.COM> wrote:
> Darwin:
>
> <<What do I have to do to get a tax preparer number?>>
>
In California:
Tax Preparers must be registered.
To become registered:
Meet Education requirements
Post a surety bond
File papers with the state
Pay money for license
Not sure if that's any better than just being able to hang out a "Shingle".
Tom Healy
<<What do I have to do to get a tax preparer number?>>
There is no such thing (at least in Colorado). Unfortunately, to
become a tax preparer, you just need to hang out a shingle and
start. Of course, it helps to have studied a lot of tax
information, and practiced a lot, if you want to be good at it. It
also helps to have a mind that is willing to accept the sometimes
odd laws Congress writes for what they are and "go with the flow."
If you are really serious about this, consider starting with an H&R
Block income tax course, work for them or another tax preparation
firm for a year, study lots, and maybe take the enrolled agent's
exam. Good luck.
Tom
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Don Priebe
>What do I have to do to get a tax preparer number?
>
As far as I know, only Oregon and California license or otherwise
control the practice of tax preparation. Otherwise, there are no age,
education, or experience requirements. As a self employed tax
preparer, your "number" is your SSN. As a tax preparer you are
subject to various IRS regulations concerning record keeping,
confidentiality, and general knowledge and accuracy. See IRS Pub ???)
If you are serious about becoming a tax preparer I would recommend
working for one of the commercial chains for a season. H&R Block has
a very thorough training program for first time preparers (13 weeks,
two nights a week, heavy homework, graded tests).
If you are REALLY serious about this after a few years, then look into
becomming an Enrolled Agent. This is an IRS designation for tax
professionals that are permitted to represent clients before the IRS.
It is the closest thing we have to an IRS "license"
TaxService
C. Weyh) writes:
>What do I have to do to get a tax preparer number?
_?_?
I do not remember the form number but you must, each year, file a form
with IRS indicating that you do prepare taxes. I do not have the form
available at this time
but it is also used for ordering Forms & Publications.
Also, if you gain power of attorney to represent someone, you will be
assigned a number.
"Jack"
John H. Fisher - TaxSe...@aol.com
HELJAN gal
(TaxService) writes:
>I do not remember the form number but you must, each year, file a form
>with IRS indicating that you do prepare taxes. I do not have the form
>available at this time
>but it is also used for ordering Forms & Publications.
>
>
Jack, would you mind telling me that form? I have NEVER filled one out.
I think you have been working too hard again! <G>
Helen, EA in PA
TaxService
gal) writes:
>Jack, would you mind telling me that form? I have NEVER filled one out.
>I think you have been working too hard again! <G>
>
>
>
Helen, perhaps I am mistaken. I always thought it a requirement to file
Form 3975.
"Tax Practitioner Annual Mailing List". I never paid a great deal of
attention to the form
but have always used it to place orders. I've had my CAF# for so many
years that I can't remember how or why I got it. I have NEVER worked TOO
hard in all my life <GR>. A HARD days work would probably kill me<gr>.
HELJAN gal
(TaxService) writes:
>Helen, perhaps I am mistaken. I always thought it a requirement to file
>Form 3975.
>"Tax Practitioner Annual Mailing List". I never paid a great deal of
>attention to the form
>but have always used it to place orders. I've had my CAF# for so many
>years that I can't remember how or why I got it. I have NEVER worked TOO
>hard in all my life <GR>. A HARD days work would probably kill me<gr>.
Jack, the mailing list is not a requirement. Just a REALLLLLLYYYY good
idea.
And to be honest, I still don't have a CAF#. As to the hard day's work, I
will reserve judgment.