I need some help with a decision. I'm thinking of going to school for tax preparation and I was wondering how many of you out there have your taxes done by someone else? and also if any of you have taken tax courses and what happen after or are you in business doing taxes? Thanks.

-- Tom (tjk@cac.net), April 06, 2001

Answers

Tom, I work for an attorney who prepares taxes and most of our clients don't get refunds but do pay in. I have thought about going out on my own though. I work in a small town of 1300 and our office prepares about 250 returns. There is an accountant in town also. I do not know how busy his tax practice is. The IRS has a tax training course usually offered in September. I can't remember if there is a cost, if there is it is nominal. The catch is that you have to volunteer to prepare income tax returns for the elderly, welfare, etc. H&R Block also offers a course for, I think, $200. There are also mail order courses for about $500. I took a tax course by mail about 15 years ago. I did pretty good except for the farm taxes. Now, I think they are easy. Must be because I file a Schedule F. The only draw back is that tax season is during lambing for me. Good luck in whatever you decide. JoAnn in SD

-- JoAnn (jonehls@excite.com), April 08, 2001.

I have been doing taxesoff and on for about ten years, the last three years I have attempted to start a business at it. I took a course with H&R Block about 6 years ago and another three years ago with another firm. My customer base after three years is increasing but it's slow going. I advertise weekly in local paper which is a once a week thing. Also put out business cards every place I can. Give it a try. If you go to H&R Block school they will make you sign a form that you won't compete against them that year, they also will hire you if you want to gain experience first. I took their class in the next town over so not to coflict with them. good luck, Bruce

-- Bruce Burdge (comfreybruce@richmond.com), April 09, 2001.