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How to Become a Tax Preparer and Earn Big Part-Time

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Based on 214 ratings
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Sandy Ingram

Ten Lectures are jam-packed with information, tips, and knowledge on building, starting, and growing a one-person tax business. Students learn everything necessary to launch a successful Tax Service.

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Ten Lectures are jam-packed with information, tips, and knowledge on building, starting, and growing a one-person tax business. Students learn everything necessary to launch a successful Tax Service.

  • Where and how to find tax clients

  • Earning potential based on services provided and location

  • The IRS's requirements are both mandatory and voluntary

  • What you need to get started (Professional Tax Software/Supplies)

  • What to charge clients and how to increase your value.

  • How to grow your business to a full-time income and replace your day job within one to three years.

This course does NOT include actual tax preparation training. This course is based on business skills, training, and marketing a "one-person-tax service."

In 2023 Tax professionals are earning an average of $515 for a Form 1040 with Itemized Deductions. This rate can easily increase to $750 to $850 for individuals or married couples filing a Schedule C.

A total of 150 clients will easily place your income between $90K and $105 per year, working only three to six months out of the year.

Tax professionals have options when it comes to the IRS. However, some requirements are mandatory. The IRS requirements are easy enough to fulfill. The course will show you the ends and outs.

The most crucial factor is that preparing taxes can be a foundation for enormous growth for your one-person start-up. There is any number of additional services that you can offer to grow your business income exponentially.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Launch a one-person tax-service.
  • Students will learn how to find more tax clients than they can handle using both online and offline marketing techniques
  • Students will go through each step necessary to satisfy the irs's mandatory requirements (ptin) and learn which requirements are voluntary.
  • Students will learn which business structure saves on taxes.
  • Students will explore the most affordable professional tax software and the most elite tax software for tax professionals in the industry
  • Students will learn how to grow their business to a full-time year-round income, usually within one year.
  • Students will learn what other tax professionals are charging throughout the country. students will also learn how to increase the value of their services.
  • Students will learn how to lower their own taxes and help clients as well

Syllabus

Students will meet the Instructor and review the Instructor's background and qualifications

Sandy Ingram's updates plus updated earning potential for students in 2023.

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Here are the new tax laws for 2024 for taxes from 2023.  There are major changes.  Happy Holidays to each of you.

Here is the updated information for the 2024/2025 tax season.  This is important because there are new mandated reporting requirements.  Please review the video.  The links are in the Resources.

The Annual Filing Season Program is a voluntary program designed to encourage tax return preparers to participate in continuing education (CE) courses.

Unenrolled return preparers can voluntarily demonstrate completion of basic 1040 filing season tax preparation and other tax law training through continuing education.

Return preparers who complete the Annual Filing Season Program requirements will be issued a Record of Completion that they can display and use to differentiate themselves in the marketplace if desired.

Preparers who complete the AFSP will also be included in a public database for taxpayers to use in searching for qualified tax return preparers. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications only includes attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents (ERPAs), enrolled actuaries, and individuals who have received an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion.

Students will learn which low-cost, off-line marketing techniques, tax professionals have used for decades to secure new tax clients.

Students will learn how to set up a Professional Sales Funnel, using free components from the major social media sites. Students will learn how to implement the Sales Funnel to bring in new tax clients and to retain existing tax clients.

Learn the ends and outs of the IRS website for tax professionals.  Students will learn how to sign up and receive updated tax information which can be shared with clients and potential clients using your marketing funnel. The new requirement for tax professionals:  Security Data Plan


True or False

1. A Tax Attorney usually can only do business in the state in which he is licensed. An Enrolled Agent is privileged to work anywhere in the world. True or False?

2. The IRS sends out new and updated tax information to a subscriber list each week. This information can be shared with your clients and potential clients using your social media accounts. True or False?

3. Circular 230 is Regulations Governing Practices Before the Internal Revenue Service.; https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/Revised_Circular_230_6_-_2014.pdf Section 10.27 deals with the return of client's records. And you have read this section and the entire Circular 230. True or False?

4. Annual Filing Season Program participants will have limited representation rights, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepared and signed, but only before revenue agents, customer service representatives, and similar IRS employees, including the Taxpayer Advocate Service. True or False?

5. The Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion is mandatory. True or False?

6. To receive credit for voluntary education for the Record of Completion, you must receive training from an Authorized IRS Provider. True or False?

7. The IRS Nationwide Tax Forums offer three full days of seminars with the latest word from IRS leadership and experts in the fields of tax law, compliance and ethics. Attendees can: Select from multiple live seminars, earn CE credits, explore latest tax professional products and services and visit the Case Resolution Room. True or False?

8. There are less than 55,000 Enrolled Agents in the world. This is an extremely elite group of tax professionals who can earn substantially more than Annual Filing Season Program Participants or Un-Enrolled Tax Preparers True or False?

9. You MUST always enter your PTIN on tax returns you prepare for clients. True or False?

10. The Internal Revenue Service sends letters annually to federal tax return preparers to discuss any returns which were done incorectly, sort of like a quality control, True or False

This Lecture takes the student through each step necessary to satisfy the IRS's requirements. Easy, yet necessary.steps

Learn more about the NEW FCC and IRS Data Security Requirements for ALL Tax Professionals

Tax loopholes for you and your clients.  Updated often.

There are certain rules you can follow to help you stay safe and stay legal. This video discusses some of the more important tips.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into building a one-person tax business, which can be valuable for those seeking entrepreneurial opportunities in the tax preparation field
Explores marketing techniques to acquire tax clients, which is essential for building a client base and generating revenue in a competitive market
Covers IRS requirements for tax professionals, which is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties in the tax preparation industry
Does not include actual tax preparation training, so learners may need to seek additional resources to develop tax preparation skills
Discusses the Annual Filing Season Program, which is a voluntary program that can help tax preparers differentiate themselves in the marketplace
Explores professional tax software options, which is essential for efficient and accurate tax preparation in a professional setting

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Reviews summary

Starting a tax preparation business

According to learners, this course provides a positive and practical guide for starting a one-person tax preparation business. Students particularly value the focus on the business side and marketing strategies, which many find unique and actionable for finding clients. While the course explicitly does not teach actual tax preparation or tax law, reviewers note it clearly explains necessary IRS business requirements like registering for a PTIN or understanding the AFSP program. Some find the content well-suited for beginners, although a few with prior business experience felt some parts were basic. Recent reviews suggest the course content is being updated, which is appreciated by learners.
Some content perceived as basic for experienced learners.
"Some parts felt a little basic, but overall solid for someone starting out."
"Wish it went a little deeper into specific software options or advanced business strategies..."
"Found it too basic. Didn't provide enough depth on IRS regulations or tax software."
Explicitly focuses on business, not tax preparation.
"It doesn't teach you tax law, which is clearly stated, but it gives you all the practical steps..."
"Waste of money. I bought this thinking I would learn how to prepare taxes. It doesn't teach you that at all!"
"Make sure you know this ISN'T a tax prep course."
Content is updated for recent tax seasons.
"The updates for the current tax season were very timely."
"It's great that the instructor keeps the content updated for the latest tax year."
Covers necessary IRS requirements for preparers.
"Covers necessary IRS requirements like PTIN and AFSP."
"The IRS requirement section was straightforward."
"It clearly explained the mandatory IRS registration steps I needed to take."
Provides concrete steps for setting up the service.
"...it gives you all the practical steps to set up, market, and grow a tax service. The marketing tips were excellent and actionable."
"Instructor is clear and provides actionable advice."
"Helped me structure my thinking about building a client base."
Excellent guide for the business side of a tax service.
"This course is exactly what I needed to understand the *business* side of tax preparation. ... gives you all the practical steps to set up, market, and grow a tax service."
"Fantastic guide for the entrepreneurial tax preparer. The focus on marketing and finding clients is unique and invaluable."
"Exactly as advertised - focuses on the business and marketing aspects. ... Helped me structure my thinking about building a client base."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Become a Tax Preparer and Earn Big Part-Time with these activities:
Review Basic Tax Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental tax concepts to better grasp the nuances of tax preparation.
Show steps
  • Review the basics of Form 1040.
  • Study common tax deductions and credits.
  • Practice calculating taxable income.
Practice IRS Form Navigation
Familiarize yourself with the IRS website and common tax forms to improve efficiency.
Show steps
  • Visit the IRS website.
  • Locate and download common tax forms.
  • Practice navigating the website.
Read "J.K. Lasser's Guide to Self-Employment Taxes"
Deepen your understanding of self-employment taxes, a common area of focus for tax preparers.
View J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2025: Your... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on Schedule C deductions.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Sample Tax Return
Apply your knowledge by preparing a sample tax return for a hypothetical client with Schedule C income.
Show steps
  • Find a sample tax scenario with Schedule C.
  • Gather all necessary tax documents.
  • Prepare the tax return using tax software.
  • Review the completed return for accuracy.
Create a Client Intake Form
Develop a professional client intake form to gather necessary information efficiently.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for intake forms.
  • Design a form with essential questions.
  • Review the form for clarity and completeness.
Develop a Marketing Plan Template
Solidify your understanding of marketing techniques by creating a template for attracting new tax clients.
Show steps
  • Research effective marketing strategies.
  • Outline the key components of a marketing plan.
  • Design a user-friendly template.
Read "Tax Guide for Small Business"
Gain a deeper understanding of tax requirements for small businesses, a key client base for tax preparers.
View Tax Guide 2016 for Individuals: Publication 17 on Amazon
Show steps
  • Download the IRS publication.
  • Read the sections relevant to small businesses.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Become a Tax Preparer and Earn Big Part-Time will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tax Preparer
A Tax Preparer helps individuals and businesses file taxes accurately and on time. This course helps you launch a successful tax service, which directly aligns with the core responsibilities of a tax preparer. The course provides key knowledge to find clients, understand IRS requirements, and structure their tax business. The included lectures on marketing techniques enable tax preparers to effectively attract clients. Also, the discussion of tax software options allows tax preparers to choose the tools that best fit their business needs. Learning about different business structures ensures a tax preparer optimizes their own tax situation. Students will learn the necessary steps to grow their part time business into a full time practice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Preparer
Tax Associate
A Tax Associate assists in the preparation of tax returns and performs tax-related research. This course helps build the skills needed to launch a successful tax service, which directly aligns with the core responsibilities of a tax associate. The course focuses on marketing techniques to attract tax clients, understanding and satisfying IRS requirements, and effectively leveraging professional tax software. The course provides insight into increasing the value of services, enabling professionals to increase their income. Learning about business structures ensures optimization of one's own tax situation, as well as that of clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Associate
Tax Staff
Tax Staff assists with tax return preparation and the filing of related forms. This course helps build the skills needed to launch a successful tax service, which directly aligns with the core responsibilities of tax staff. The course focuses on marketing techniques to attract tax clients, understanding and satisfying IRS requirements, and effectively leveraging professional tax software. The course provides insight into increasing the value of services, enabling professionals to increase their income. Learning about business structures ensures optimization of one's own tax situation, as well as that of clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Staff
Enrolled Agent
An Enrolled Agent is a federally authorized tax practitioner who can represent taxpayers before the IRS. This course helps build a foundation for starting a tax business, though further study and passing the Enrolled Agent exam would be necessary to become an Enrolled Agent. This course covers key aspects of the IRS's requirements for tax professionals. It also details how to get started in the industry. The focus on marketing also ensures you can find new clients. The course's modules on understanding and navigating the IRS website can be especially helpful for staying updated on tax laws and regulations, essential for an Enrolled Agent.
See salaries and explore the career path for Enrolled Agent
Tax Consultant
A Tax Consultant advises individuals and businesses on tax planning and compliance. While this course does not provide comprehensive tax law training, it may be useful in learning how to establish a tax-focused business. You'll learn about marketing techniques, how to navigate IRS requirements, and how to structure your business for tax efficiency. The course additionally introduces you to professional tax software and various business structures, providing a practical starting point for a future tax consultant looking to build a client base and manage their practice effectively. Furthermore, the updates on new tax laws prepares consultants for changes in the field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Consultant
Small Business Advisor
A Small Business Advisor provides guidance to small businesses on various aspects of their operations, including tax planning and compliance. This course may equip you with the skills to understand the tax implications of different business structures and offer advice to your clients. The course's focus on tax-related topics may be useful for a small business advisor aiming to specialize in tax consulting. The course includes how to navigate the IRS website, which may be important for helping small businesses stay compliant. The course's lesson on helping clients with tax loopholes may also be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Small Business Advisor
Bookkeeper
A Bookkeeper records and manages financial transactions for businesses. While not directly focused on bookkeeping, this course may be useful for bookkeepers looking to expand their service offerings to include tax preparation. Learning how to start a tax service and market it may provide a pathway for bookkeepers to offer additional value to their existing clients and attract new ones. The course's coverage of professional tax software and IRS requirements may be particularly beneficial for bookkeepers looking to venture into tax preparation services. The course's discussions of supplies and online services for tax preparation may aid in a transition.
See salaries and explore the career path for Bookkeeper
Financial Advisor
A Financial Advisor helps clients manage their finances, plan for retirement, and invest wisely. While this course does not cover the full scope of financial advising, it may allow you to offer additional tax-related services to your clients. By learning how to prepare taxes and understanding IRS regulations, you can provide more comprehensive financial advice. The course's section on marketing enables financial advisors to attract clients specifically for tax preparation services. The savvy tax tips taught may also be valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor
Accounting Assistant
Accounting Assistants typically perform data entry and reconciliation tasks, however, this course may be useful for accounting assistants looking to expand their skillset to pursue other tax-related advancement opportunities. By learning how to start a tax service and understanding IRS regulations, accounting assistants can bring additional value to their team. The course's section on marketing enables accounting assistants to attract clients specifically for tax preparation services, expanding the firm's revenue. The savvy tax tips taught may also be valuable in real world accounting scenarios.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accounting Assistant
Revenue Agent
Revenue Agents examine tax returns and financial records to determine tax liability under reported amounts. This course helps build the skills needed to identify clients, understand IRS requirements, and effectively leverage professional tax software. The course provides insight into increasing the value of services, enabling professionals to increase their income. Learning about business structures ensures optimization of one's own tax situation, as well as that of clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Revenue Agent
Auditor
An Auditor examines financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. While not directly focused on auditing, this course may be useful for auditors looking to expand their knowledge of tax preparation practices. Understanding the tax preparation process may provide valuable insights during audits, especially when assessing the accuracy of tax returns and related documentation. The course's coverage of IRS requirements and tax software can be particularly useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor
Tax Manager
A Tax Manager oversees a team of tax professionals and ensures compliance with tax laws and regulations. While this course does not cover the full scope of tax management, it may be useful for those looking to learn more about the business of tax preparation. The course's section on marketing enables tax specialists to attract clients specifically for tax preparation services. The savvy tax tips taught may also be valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Manager
Compliance Officer
A Compliance Officer ensures that a company adheres to relevant laws and regulations. While not directly focused on compliance, this course may be useful for compliance officers looking to expand their knowledge of tax preparation practices in order to assess best practices and adherence to federal and state guidelines. The course's coverage of IRS requirements and tax software can be particularly useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer
Tax Attorney
Tax Attorneys advise clients on complex tax matters, represent them in disputes with the IRS, and design strategies to minimize tax liability. While this course does not cover the full scope of tax law, it may be useful for those looking to learn more about the basic business of becoming a tax preparer. This course gives a strong grounding in the realities of the field. The course's section on marketing enables financial advisors to attract clients specifically for tax preparation services. The savvy tax tips taught may also be valuable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Attorney
Business Development Manager
A Business Development Manager focuses primarily on building relationships with clients and generating new opportunities to further improve the tax business and its revenue earnings. This course offers the essentials to understanding the financial and business aspects of a tax preparation startup. It dives into methods of attracting new clients, determining the appropriate business structure, the process of tax filings according to the requirements and software of the IRS.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Become a Tax Preparer and Earn Big Part-Time.
Cover image
J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2025
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to self-employment taxes, which is crucial for tax preparers dealing with Schedule C filers. It covers various aspects of self-employment tax, including deductions, credits, and reporting requirements. This book valuable reference tool for understanding the complexities of self-employment taxes and providing accurate advice to clients. It is commonly used by tax professionals and small business owners.
J.K. Lasser's Small Business Taxes 2025: Your...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Tax Guide 2016 for Individuals
Save
This IRS publication provides a comprehensive overview of tax requirements for small businesses. It covers various topics, including business structures, deductions, credits, and reporting requirements. valuable resource for tax preparers who work with small business clients. It is commonly used as a reference tool by tax professionals and small business owners.
Tax Guide 2016 for Individuals: Publication 17
Paperback
$

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Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Sandy Ingram
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides insights into building a one-person tax business, which can be valuable for those seeking entrepreneurial opportunities in the tax preparation field
Explores marketing techniques to acquire tax clients, which is essential for building a client base and generating revenue in a competitive market
Covers IRS requirements for tax professionals, which is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties in the tax preparation industry
Does not include actual tax preparation training, so learners may need to seek additional resources to develop tax preparation skills
Discusses the Annual Filing Season Program, which is a voluntary program that can help tax preparers differentiate themselves in the marketplace
Explores professional tax software options, which is essential for efficient and accurate tax preparation in a professional setting
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