Want to be a tax preparer? 3 tips for success.
Tax preparation professionals will likely find themselves in a relatively stable career. After all, we can claim nothing to be certain, except death and taxes. As long as the United States government continues to collect taxes, people will continue to need help navigating their tax filings.
Motivating factors to join this profession can include a love of numbers or the desire to be one’s own boss. Whatever the reason for your choice to join this profession, once you choose to become a tax preparation professional it is wise to take a proactive approach to better ensure success. The following tips can help:
- Evolve. The tax code had a history for remaining fairly stable. There were not many changes for decades … until recently. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) resulted in the largest tax reform in over forty years. As a result, tax return professionals were required to adjust their practices to ensure prepared filings were in line with the new law. Being prepared to evolve and change with the laws as needed is one way to help better ensure a successful practice.
- Find a niche. It can also help to set yourself out as the go-to professional for certain types of tax filing needs. Specialization in returns for farms or small businesses can help you to grow your practice.
- Delegate. There are times to get things done yourself and times to delegate to another professional. This is particularly true when contacted by the IRS with a question about your work. In the event of contact from the IRS, it is wise to seek legal counsel to represent your interests.
Take steps to protect your professional interests if contacted by the IRS. Contact an attorney experienced in representing tax professionals to discuss the best strategy for your situation.