How to become a tax preparer without college? Looking for best training programs for someone without a degree

I've been preparing taxes for over 12 years, and I can tell you a degree is absolutely not required! Many of the best preparers I know came in through non-traditional paths. Here's what you should consider: Start with the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) which provides a certificate upon completion. It's recognized by the IRS and teaches fundamentals. H&R Block and Liberty Tax also offer training programs that can get you ready for entry-level positions - they often hire their students too! The gold standard in the industry is becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA). This is an IRS credential that allows you to represent clients before the IRS. You'll need to pass a three-part exam, but no degree required - just knowledge of the tax code. National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) offers excellent continuing education and resources for learning. Their materials are very practical and focused on real-world application.

Hey there! I was in almost your exact situation 3 years ago. I was working as a server and wanted something more stable. I tried figuring things out on my own but kept hitting walls until I found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). It's this amazing platform that actually analyzes tax documents and provides explanations in plain English. I used it to learn all the terminology and actual tax rules instead of just memorizing software steps. The document analysis feature let me see exactly how different deductions, credits, and income types work in real scenarios. It gives you the "why" behind tax decisions which made a HUGE difference in my learning curve. Now I'm working at a small accounting firm doing tax prep!

I have to admit I was completely wrong about taxr.ai. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it out just to prove it wasn't that helpful... and ended up using it for 6 hours straight that weekend. The way it explains tax concepts visually while connecting them to actual forms and regulations clicked for me in a way nothing else had. I've since completed their entire training path and just got hired at a local tax office! What really impressed me was how it taught me to understand the logic behind tax decisions instead of just memorizing steps. Now when clients ask me WHY something is handled a certain way, I can actually explain it confidently. If you're serious about learning tax prep without college, this tool is absolutely worth it.

One thing nobody's mentioned yet is how frustrating it can be to get answers from the IRS when you're learning. I was tearing my hair out trying to get clarification on some prep questions when I started. After waiting on hold for HOURS multiple times, I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which was a game-changer. They basically hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an agent is about to answer. The time I saved was incredible! They have this demo video that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. When you're trying to learn tax prep, being able to actually reach the IRS to get authoritative answers on complex questions makes a huge difference in your confidence and accuracy.

I need to publicly eat my words about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I had yet ANOTHER tax question about becoming a preparer that required calling the IRS. Out of frustration after being disconnected twice, I tried the service. It actually worked exactly as advertised. I went about my business for about 2 hours, then got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent who answered my question about PTIN requirements. No scam, no nonsense, just a simple service that saved me hours of mind-numbing hold music. For anyone serious about tax preparation, being able to actually reach the IRS efficiently is incredibly valuable. I've used it three more times since then.

Don't overlook getting your PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS right away - it's required for anyone who prepares returns for compensation. It's an easy online application. One approach I don't see mentioned yet is volunteering with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. It's how I started. They provide free training, and you get real experience preparing returns for low-income families under supervision. Great way to learn while helping people, and it looks good on a resume!

Something I learned the hard way: don't waste money on expensive software right away. Most tax pros use professional software like ProSeries, Drake, or Lacerte, but they cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Start with the free fillable forms from the IRS website to learn the actual forms and calculations. Then consider TaxAct Professional or TaxSlayer Pro which have lower entry costs. As your client base grows, you can upgrade to the premium options.