Overview of tax preparation
Intro to Taxes
Starting out as a tax preparer means more than just learning forms and crunching numbers. It’s a chance to become an important part of people’s financial lives, especially for those in low- to moderate-income communities. Many people in these communities need someone they can trust to help them navigate tax season and make smart financial decisions. That’s where you come in! As a tax preparer, you have the power to educate, guide, and support people through something that can feel overwhelming for them.
At its core, being a tax preparer is about helping people file accurate tax returns. But it goes deeper than that. Tax preparers are the go-to for clients who have questions about deductions, credits, and everything in between. Clients need someone who understands their unique situation, who won’t judge, and who’s genuinely there to help them save as much money as possible. Your work as a tax preparer is about being that trustworthy point of contact between them and the IRS. You’re the one who can explain things clearly and help clients feel at ease. Often, clients come in nervous, unsure of what they owe or if they’ll get a refund. By breaking down the process and walking them through it, you can show them that taxes don’t have to be intimidating.
PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE!
Social media can also be a powerful tool to connect with potential clients. A simple post about tax tips, reminders, or helpful insights can keep you on people’s radar. As tax season approaches, clients who follow you will remember the advice you shared and might reach out for an appointment. Don’t be afraid to use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and Tiktok to show your personality and create a connection with your community. You can also use Canva to make flyers to promote yourself and offer special give aways to new clients who file with you (gift cards, cash apps, referral bonuses, % off their tax return)
Lets talk money! The amount of money you make this tax season and all the seasons going forward is on YOU. If you don't put in the work to get yourself seen, it will be hard to make income. You have to put in the work to promote yourself to see the income side of the business. Tax Preparers have the potential to make GREAT money each tax season if you put in the work to get yourself seen and heard. As a new preparer one thing you can do is offer free quotes to bring potential clients in the door.
Many people don’t realize that tax preparation can be a flexible and profitable career. Whether you’re looking for seasonal income or planning to make this a full-time gig, tax prep has options. The more experience you get, the more you can charge, and the more loyal your client base becomes. For some preparers, tax season is the time to hustle and earn, while others make it their year-round career by adding services like bookkeeping, business formation, tax planning, credit repair, and more!. If you choose to work for a tax company, you may earn a base salary plus bonuses for the volume of returns you complete. And if you’re thinking of working independently, you’ll have the freedom to set your rates based on what’s fair and competitive. Either way, this field has real earning potential, especially during the busy tax season.
PTIN Holders Agreement
When a PTIN holder agrees to work under someone else's EFIN, it is essential to understand the responsibilities and implications involved. PTIN holders are individuals who have registered with the IRS and obtained a Preparer Tax Identification Number, allowing them to prepare federal tax returns for clients. By agreeing to work under another individual's EFIN, the PTIN holder is essentially being granted permission to e-file tax returns using the EFIN owner's electronic filing identification number.
By working under someone else's EFIN, PTIN holders can benefit from access to electronic filing capabilities and the opportunity to expand their tax preparation services. However, it is vital for PTIN holders to uphold their obligations and duties diligently to uphold the trust placed in them by the EFIN owner and the taxpayers they serve. Clear communication, adherence to protocols, and continuous learning are key to fostering a successful and professional working relationship when operating under another individual's EFIN.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Firm
The Firm A1 Outcome agrees to:
- Provide the PTIN Holder's with access to necessary tools, software, and resources for tax preparation and filing.
- Ensure the PTIN Holder's access to the Firm's EFIN is properly authorized and limited to the scope of their duties.
- Provide guidance on tax preparation procedures, client management, and compliance with IRS rules.
- Maintain all necessary licenses and certifications to allow electronic filing under the Firm's EFIN.
Payment Terms
Split Commission for first year PTIN Holder's will be 70/30 split based on the tax preparation fee being charged to their taxpayer. Meaning the PTIN holder will get 70% commission, and the firm will get the other get 30%.
- Example if you charge a client $800 you will get $640, and the firm will get $160.
Tax Preparation fees will range from $300-$800 per return depending on the client's tax situation.
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