To become a tax agent, one should complete college training, practice at an industry service company, and obtain a license if required. Tax agent training programs are available at community colleges, professional schools, and tax preparation companies. Tax agents must have strong computer and interpersonal skills and keep up with developments in the field through continuing education.
A tax agent is a professional who helps a client file their income tax in accordance with the requirements of the tax laws of that jurisdiction. Tax professionals must be good with numbers and have a strong attention to detail. Tax agents must also be very organized. A person who wants to become a tax agent should ideally complete some college training, practice at an industry service company, and obtain a license if required to practice in that jurisdiction.
If you want to become a tax agent, you should strive to complete a four-year college degree in a field like accounting, which creates strong job opportunities. Community colleges, professional schools, and even tax preparation companies also offer tax agent training programs that last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months and can lead to a certificate. Many tax preparation training courses are also available in the form of an online or home study program. Some employers even choose a person who only has a high school diploma or equivalent certification, as long as the person has completed math and computer technology courses.
During a tax agent training program, students examine the various tax policies they must be able to share with clients. For example, they cover policies related to capital gains and losses, bad debts, payroll taxes and tax credits. Students also practice advising clients on how to file taxes based on their individual financial situations. Additionally, a student who wants to become a tax agent learns the appropriate questions to ask industry consumers. Aspiring tax professionals must master local, regional, and national tax laws during a tax preparer education program.
Becoming a tax preparer requires solid computer skills because many clients prefer to fill out tax forms over the Internet, which is often faster than filling out forms manually. If you want to become a tax agent, you should also work on your interpersonal skills, because a tax preparer often serves individuals and company clients individually. In addition, you must be prepared to pass the exams required by the government in which you will be practicing.
Getting hands-on work experience through an internship will help prepare someone who also wants to become a tax agent for an entry-level position in that field. You must also be prepared to complete all licensing requirements in your field, which may include demonstrating that you have completed formal training or passed a test. To succeed as a tax agent, you must complete continuing education courses to keep up with developments in this ever-changing field.
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