Even though the holidays are here it is not too late to think about the upcoming tax season. Now is the time to apply for seasonal jobs in the tax offices that will be in full operation by January. If you have clerical, accounting, or data processing skills you are a prime candidate for working in your local tax office.
Hiring has already begun but it may not be too late to apply. Last year there was a shortage in my area so I was able to get an interview. I applied to be a tax preparer and would have to go through the company’s intense training program. I decided not to go through with it because I had other obligations but it would have been great experience.
I have seen ads on Craigslist.org from tax preparation companies who were starting classes. The classes were free but the individual would have to pay for their own books. I didn’t investigate the cost of those books but it is probably a worthwhile investment.
Working as a seasonal tax employee is great for those moms who work full-time and need to pick up a few hours to make extra money. Most tax preparation offices are open after business hours to accommodate people who work regular 8-5 hours. Offices don’t close until 10pm or 11pm and are open on the weekends so that is perfect for getting extra hours.
The pay is not fantastic but it is more than what you have now. The extra $150 a week or $600 a month is perfect for catching up on bills, the emergency fund, or whatever other expenses or saving you have.
If you have prepared taxes in the past you may be able to do taxes for family and friends out of your own home. I did this one year, before electronic returns were popular, and did pretty well. I have an accounting background and enjoy doing taxes so it was an easy way for me to make money on the side.
Please make yourself knowledgeable about the current tax laws and send complicated cases to the tax professionals. You should be able to do simple tax returns for individuals and you may be so good that you can do tax returns for businesses. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew. Your name is going on the return as the preparer so keep everything simple.
Here are a few tax companies that you could apply for:
H & R Block
Jackson-Hewitt
Libery Tax Service
IRS (depending on your location)
2 comments:
Great information, as always. I have an accounting background as well, and spent seven years working for the IRS. As an independent contractor who works in the financial services industry, I prefer contract work. (I haven't been an employee for more than five years.) I've been off work (by choice) for a few months, and am now looking to get back into the groove of things. And being a tax preparer is looking mighty appealing to me right now.
As far as preparing returns at home, in many cases one can download tax preparation software for free. That makes preparing returning much easier.
Lisa
I agree Lisa. Downloading the software is the way to go. I know that I plan to do my own taxes this year using downloaded software. Sometimes tax software can be found at the dollar store and it's just as good.
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