How to become a tax preparer

Maybe you’ve done your own taxes and really enjoyed it. Or maybe you’ve experienced the help of a pro at a tax preparation service and thought, “I want to do this, too!”  Whatever it is that’s sparked your interest, at Block, we’re all for people wanting to learn how to become a tax preparer.  

Becoming a professional tax preparer can be a great way to combine a knack for numbers and a heart for making an impact in people’s financial lives. As a tax preparer, you can help people with their unique tax situation.

Not sure where to begin? We’ll walk you through what a tax preparer does and a few common paths to learning income tax return preparation, as there’s no one tax preparer course for U.S. income taxes.

Take Note! There is an H&R Block income tax course offered each year. We’ll tell you more about our tax preparation course as you read along. Plus, learn how you could become a tax professional at H&R Block and make a positive impact on the financial lives of those in your community.

What does a tax preparer do?

In the day to day, most tax preparers help people complete their business or individual income tax forms for their state and federal income tax returns and help file them with the state revenue offices and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   

Depending on the type of certification, some tax preparers can also represent their clients in front of the IRS in tax court if needed.

Tax preparer certification and course options

If you’re exploring how to become a tax preparer, you should know all tax preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which requires a suitability check along with a registration fee.

But before registering for a PTIN, you’ll want to build your tax knowledge. There are many types of tax preparer certifications and licenses, but the requirements and select qualifications are different for each. 

Here are a couple of the most common:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) –This is likely the most well-known type of certified tax preparer. CPAs are licensed at the state level and are required to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. Generally, you must complete studies in accounting at a college or university, which may include tax prep classes or other courses to learn about preparing taxes, auditing, or even financial planning and basic tax law.

• Enrolled Agent (EA) – This designation is the highest credential the IRS awards. To become an Enrolled Agent, you’ll need to pass a three-part tax preparer exam called the Special Enrollment Examination. Plus, you’ll need to complete continuing education every three years to maintain your status and knowledge. Unlike university courses for CPAs, there aren’t tax preparation classes for EA designation required by the IRS.

Income Tax Course at H&R Block – Each year, H&R Block offers an Income Tax Course that will help you learn to do taxes. These self-paced, online tax preparation classes give you hands-on experience via interactive and professional tax prep exercises – all taught by H&R Block tax pro instructors.

Here’s a sampling of what the tax prep classes cover: filing requirements, self-employment income, qualifying dependents, interest and dividend income, tax regulations, and more. Beyond crunching the numbers, helping people with their taxes can be meaningful and make an impact far greater than any refund amount. Learn more about our Income Tax Course and check out our Tax Knowledge Assessment to gauge your tax know how.

Working at H&R Block – Calling all those who want to make a difference

Considering applying for a tax preparer role or other jobs at H&R Block? Working at H&R Block as a tax pro, you could have a career with meaningful work, flexible hours and remote options that provides you extra income and the opportunity to build tax client relationships.

Get started as a tax return preparer

Find out more about our Income Tax Course, jobs available at H&R Block and H&R Block careers.

Get started today!

Enrollment in, or completion of, the H&R Block Income Tax Course is neither an offer nor a guarantee of employment. Additional qualifications may be required. Enrollment restrictions apply.