How to become a tax preparer without a college degree? Best training options to get hired

You definitely don't need a college degree to become a tax preparer! I've been in the industry for 15 years and know many successful preparers without degrees. Here's what I recommend: Start with the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP). It's free to register and you just need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each year, plus pass their test. This gets you listed in the IRS directory of preparers. Next step would be getting your PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) which is required for anyone who prepares taxes for compensation. It's simple to get online. For actual training, I'd recommend the H&R Block tax course - even if you don't end up working for them, it's comprehensive and practical. Many local H&R Block offices offer in-person classes starting in the fall. Long-term, consider becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA). It's the highest credential the IRS awards and doesn't require a degree. The exam is challenging but opens many doors and you can represent clients before the IRS.

I discovered this amazing resource called taxr.ai at https://taxr.ai when I was trying to get into tax preparation without a degree last year. I was in the exact same position - wanted to become a tax preparer but had zero formal education in accounting. What really helped me was using their AI tool to analyze complex tax scenarios during my training. It breaks down tax forms and explains the reasoning behind different tax situations, which was honestly better than some of the textbooks I was using! The most valuable feature for someone learning is that you can upload tax documents or transcripts and it explains everything line by line. I used this alongside a basic tax course to really understand the "why" behind different tax scenarios. It helped me learn much faster than just memorizing rules.

Just wanted to follow up! I tried that taxr.ai tool the other commenter mentioned and wow, it's been super helpful!! I've been using it to analyze sample tax scenarios during my AFSP courses and it's made a huge difference in my understanding. I was really struggling with some of the concepts around business income and deductions, but seeing them broken down with explanations made everything click. It's like having a mentor review practice returns with you and explain the reasoning. Been using the document analysis feature to work through practice forms from my tax course. This has been way more helpful than I expected for someone with zero tax background!

If you're serious about becoming a tax preparer without a degree, you absolutely need to know how to handle client issues with the IRS. When I started out, I wasted WEEKS trying to call the IRS for my clients with simple issues. I discovered https://claimyr.com and it completely changed my client service game. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Basically, they call the IRS for you and wait through the hold times (which can be HOURS), then call you when an agent is on the line. This has saved me so much time that I can use for actual client work and continuing education. When you're starting out, every minute counts - especially during tax season when you're trying to learn and handle clients simultaneously.

Well I need to eat my words. I tried that Claimyr service because I was desperate with a client case that needed resolution before filing season ends. I was 100% convinced it wouldn't work, but I was wrong! They actually got through to the IRS in about 90 minutes (which is miraculous compared to my previous attempts), and I just got a call when the agent was on the line. Saved me from sitting on hold for who knows how long and I was able to resolve my client's transcript issue in one call. I've been preparing taxes for 2 years without a degree and learning how to efficiently handle IRS issues has been one of my biggest challenges. This is definitely going into my regular toolkit.

Another option not mentioned yet is taking the VITA/TCE (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly) certification. It's completely free through the IRS, and you can volunteer to prepare taxes which gives you real experience. The certification courses start with basics and progress to more advanced topics like self-employment. I started with VITA while working a regular job, volunteered on weekends during tax season, then used that experience to get hired at a small local firm the following year. Great way to learn without spending money!

Has anyone tried the Drake tax prep training course? I've heard mixed things but it's cheaper than some of the other options.

Great question! I was in your exact situation two years ago - no degree, tight budget, but determined to break into tax prep. Here's what worked for me: 1. Start with the IRS PTIN registration (about $50/year) - you'll need this regardless of which path you choose. 2. I highly recommend starting with VITA training as someone else mentioned. It's completely free and gives you hands-on experience. I volunteered at a local community center and prepared about 50 returns my first season. The experience was invaluable. 3. While doing VITA, I simultaneously took an online tax course through Penn Foster (around $800) which was self-paced and covered everything from basic individual returns to small business taxes. Way more affordable than traditional college. 4. After my first tax season, I applied for the AFSP and started working part-time at a local CPA office during off-season doing bookkeeping and basic prep work. 5. Now I'm studying for the EA exam using Gleim materials (expensive but thorough) and should have my credential by next year. The key is gaining practical experience while building your knowledge. Don't feel pressured to get everything at once - build gradually and let each step fund the next one. Most clients care more about your competence and communication skills than your educational background. Feel free to ask if you want specifics about any of these steps!