How to Become a Tax Preparer Online with TaxBiz
Did you know that you can become a tax preparer online? It’s true.
I will be exploring Ben Robinson’s re-imagined TaxBiz course to provide you with everything you need to know about how this online program can kickstart your career to become a tax preparer.
What Does a Tax Preparer Do?
Most tax preparers prepare, file, or assist with general tax forms.
Beyond these basic services, a tax preparer can also defend a taxpayer with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). This includes audits and tax court issues. However, the extent of what a tax preparer can do is based on their credentials and whether they have representation rights.
In a way, tax preparers are asked to serve two masters – their clients and the IRS. They must assist their clients in complying with the state and federal tax codes while simultaneously minimizing the client’s tax burden. While they are hired to serve their client, they must also diligently remember their obligation to the IRS and not break any laws or help others file a fraudulent return.
How Will TaxBiz Help Me Become a Tax Preparer Online?
TaxBiz, from the creator of Bookkeeper Launch, is a comprehensive tax preparation course that covers all the basics. Then it goes above and beyond. TaxBiz offers skills that will help you create a successful business on your terms. Plus, there is a resource library that gathers all the important tools together in one place. And that’s not all. All students have access to a private group right inside the course, via Facebook, that adds to the experience.
What’s Inside the Course?
First Things First
Tax Skills begins with a ‘Start Here' section, where Ben introduces the course and gives you a tour. Next, he shares study hacks (which are pretty good ones if I say so myself), so you can make the most of your time and energy. You can use those resources as you work on changing your life.
All material is provided in a video, an audio file, and a transcript. This means you can access the material in different ways, depending on circumstance or what works best for you.
Build a Strong Foundation
After your introduction to TaxBiz, you get foundation lessons. These are the things you really need to know to become a tax preparer online. The lessons in this section provide a stable structure for the learning you’ll do further on in the course. This way, you will build solid skills right from the beginning.
You’ll begin your journey to become a tax preparer online with Compliance. This 7-lesson block walks you through the steps to become IRS compliant. It also gives you a birds-eye tour of the IRS website and introduces you to some important tax regulations.
The next 17 lessons make up the Basics section. This one is chock-full of all the essential elements of tax business. From understanding various types of deductions to accounting methods and balance sheets, you're covered.
Create a Solid Structure
The remaining sections cover more advanced material. You'll learn about specific tax forms and how to conduct tax research. You'll also cover estimates and advising clients to avoid tax surprises. These will help you offer higher-level services your clients really want and will pay well for. There are even some extras to smooth your path.
Hanging Your Virtual Shingle
All of this will set you up well to become a tax preparation professional. Of course, none of that will do you any good if no one knows you’re in business. That’s where the Marketing section comes in.
Here, you’ll get lessons on leadership and managing money as a business owner. You'll also learn how to market effectively at no cost to you, network, choose a niche, work with referral partners, and more.
Even if you’re an introvert who isn’t into marketing, Ben and his team can help you find your path. Whatever your marketing budget (yes, even if it’s nothing!), you'll get solid tactics.
What Do I Need to Invest to Become a Tax Preparer Online?
The Dollars and Sense
TaxBiz is an investment that can pay for itself in a matter of months, but you have to be prepared to put in the work and then put the work into practice.
The financial investment to become a tax preparer online with TaxBiz is a one-time payment of $2995, or you can choose 12 monthly instalments of $295 (occasionally, you can catch the 12-pay plan on sale for $245/month).
You can choose whichever payment plan best suits your budget.
Return on Investment
Is it worth it?
Only you can say for certain if it’s the right investment for you. However, I’ve interviewed Ben, as well as several of his past students. I’ve reviewed his Bookkeeper Launch course through three iterations. I’ve also had the chance to look inside TaxBiz and assess some of the lessons.
It’s my opinion that if you’d like to become a tax preparer online, Ben Robinson’s TaxBiz is an excellent choice.