I noticed a post from a newbie on how to handle non-filed returns for 2003-2006. In the post, she indicated she was a Certified Tax Preparer. Her profile indicates she's in MN. What is a Certified Tax Preparer? There is such a proliferation of certification programs (some worthless), it's a very confusing market for consumers.
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I'll answer this the best I can, hopefully without too much criticism
In 2004 I took a course through the The School of Tax Preparation offered by PCDI (Professional Career Development Institute). It was a 12 month course (recommended time frame of completion). I tested on each and every chapter and completed with a 93% average score. I took the final exam, passed and then received a diploma from the institute. Since then I have taken courses from Quickfinder, The Tax Book and misc. others just to gain more knowledge. I spend as much time as I can researching information as well.
I know we can all sit here and state our credentials and have an ego contest, but the truth of the matter is, I am a self-employed tax preparer who works out of my home. I do this to bring a some spare cash into the household. I don't try to compete on any large scale and don't make myself out to be something I am not. I've taken some heavy criticism from some of the questions I ask other professionals. But I still ask, learn and then move on. This is not something I do to pass the time. I take it very seriously. I have also referred several potential clients to other preparers because I knew I wasn't qualified enough to handle their returns. I learn about Corp's in my courses, but they were only touched on. I've had S-Corp's and Partnership's call me, but I tell them, "not at this time". I plan to go for more schooling. I'd like to make this my full time career when my 3 & 5 year old sons are in school full time, but for now, I dabble at my measly 50 returns a season and leave it at that.
Hope I didn't start some big feud. I appreciate the help and "support" I get from you knowledgeable folks on this message board very much! -
Don't worry about a "feud". My post wasn't intended as an "insult". In fact, it's well-known the IRS is planning some sort of a certification program requirement for all tax preparers. My understanding is it will exclude CPA's, EA, and Attorneys.Originally posted by mblatour View Post
My concern is the certification programs will vary greatly in quality. There are so darn many certification programs in every single profession and type of work, it's mind-boggeling. The sheer volume of certifications for just about everything diminishes their value. The public doesn't understand what any of them mean.Comment
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Zee
I see what you are saying. I know of that proposed change the IRS is planning and I think it is something they should definitely do. I don't know what more they'll require me to do to stay active, but I am willing to do whatever is necessary to stay in the game.
And you are right, if any Tom, **** or Harry calls themselves a professional, then no one has any value at the career they worked hard to be able to perform. I've been asked before if I am certified, or certifiable as a joke! I'm probably both!Comment
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LaTour
Thank you for sharing your magnificent post above. Very straight-to-the-point, and probably more humble than need be.
I hope you will begin accepting 1120S and other returns. Then find a friend who has been doing them, and pay them for advice. Or come to the board if you can succinctly phrase a question for a general answer. When I first started 1065s, 1041s, 1120s, etc. several years ago, I was blown away too, and had a good friend CPA who helped me out at his normal hourly rate. After a couple of returns, I was able to go on my own and research what I needed to.
Those of us who are "old fogeys" (are you out there Old Jack?) appreciate the questions and input you have brought to the board in the last few weeks.
Your attitude and demeanor are very much appreciated.
Ron Jordan, Manchester, TNComment
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We are all learning
I have been preparing taxes for 20 years, the first 15 at H&R Block. I have taken lots of classes during the years. I took the EA test a couple of years ago and passed. So now I am an EA. BUT I still come across a lot of questions and situations that stump me and I need the help of other professionals to steer me in the right direction.
Especially when you are working alone and don't have another person to bounce ideas off, this board is a life saver.
I try to help when I can and answer the questions I am confident that I know the answer and I ask a lot of questions. I appreciate the way the others on the board answer our questions without making us feel stupid or ignorant. Sometimes we actually do know the answer but with too much to do, we can't think straight at that moment.
Thanks to all on the board. You are lifesavers to us little people.
Linda FComment
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We are all learning...so true
I agree this board is a great learning tool, and once again I wasn't trying to insult the poster. Once, I thought it would be interesting to prepare a listing of all the initials of all the certifications I could think of for an article to be published. I gave up, the list was endless...
You will indeed find quality help on this BBS, and frankly I've found the BBS to be much more helpful than one-on-one's with other practicing CPA's. I've learned more reading this BBS than all the classes I've attended. Of course, this requires more than just reading. Often, I'll read a post and then do the research to confirm the answer. Other times, I get lazy and just ask the question. Poster's referencing the Taxbook sometimes point you to the exact page reference. That's helpful too...they've pointed out references I couldn't find.
One caution...some of the replies use sarcasim and some poster's don't care much for that type of wit. Rarely, is the sarcasim meant to be hurtful...I suspect it's just a way to add a little different humor during the busy tax season for most.Comment
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Sometimes it's those sarcastic replies that really help get a point across...and have it stick. Welcome to the Board.Dave, EAComment
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This board
I check this board quite often just for education, there are some very sharp preparers on this board and most of them are willing to help. I'm with you Latour I run a small practice out of my house too and it's nice to get a second opinion on some things.Comment
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I took the Block courses two years in a row starting five years ago. This year I took the Liberty course. Personally I like Block's classes are better but o-well. I think later this year I'll be back there for classes. I haven't been doing this too long, and I get even less respect because of my age. When I was at Block taking the classes at 21 everyone looked at me like I was nuts. I smiled and passed, and quietly snickered to myself when some of them didn't. Now I'm 25 and up for a job at the Dept. of Revenue. Still taking those classes this fall though. lol
I read the board while I'm at work to keep up with some of the topics I don't usually handle here. I love to do the research part of my job. This board is perfect for that.
Jade!!
PS : More on topic I've been certified by Block and Liberty. Which just means I know what I'm doing.
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Certified Tax Preparer
Just be sure to check with your state and your state's CPA board about using the word "Certified". You may not be allowed to use that word because the public could confuse you with a CPA.
Here in Texas I cannot. I can use Enrolled Agent and the initials EA only because of litigation and an agreement with the Texas Society of CPA's.Jiggers, EAComment
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What are these certifications?
The first are easy; CCSA, CFSA, CGAP, CFP, CFA, CPA, CIA, CPM...Now, here's some IT certifications; ACE, ACTP, ACSE, ACSS, ACSP, CQE, CQA, CQA-HACCP, CRE, CQP, CMI, CSQE, CQIIA, RCDD, CEC, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CCDA, CCDP, CCA, CCEA, CCI. How many did you know? I've already forgotten most of them. This is a teeny weeny sampling of the many certifications that exist. Imagine how many there are for each type of work performed. It's truly endless. I only listed a fraction of the IT certifications. How in the world is the general public supposed to know what these things mean? I do hope that, at a minimum, the IRS Certifications is a standardized test. At the current time, I believe HRB, Liberty, JH, all have various levels of certification for their employees. Will they all be grandfathered? And, what about programs like the poster attended? Will they also be grandfathered, or have to retest? My guess is they'll be grandfathered and that's why you're finding so many programs available before the IRS has even prepared a standardized test. They will probably develop similar testing to that provided to volunteers with various levels, etc. Kiplinger indicated the IRS certification requirement is still two years away.Comment
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Alphabet Soup
This is one of the most polite discussions I've seen on any board regarding the issue of certification. I have very mixed feelings. First and foremost certification is not assurance of quality, but neither is the fact that one has been practicing for decades (which I see flying around various boards consistently.) There are good preparers at every level, and bad preparers at every level. The poster impressed me greatly because she was willing to "pass" on projects she didn't feel qualified for. I wish more people would do that. I am human and make mistakes, hopefully catch them before someone else does. ANYONE who tells you that they are an "expert" in tax, RUN, don't walk. The area of knowledge is so vast, no one can be an expert. lbbwest CPA (Can Paste And cut) EA (Eagerly Awaiting money) MST (Marred by Stupid Thinking)Comment
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I don't know how they are going to handle the differences between the levels of certification amongst HRB, LTS, and JH. I'm considered a level 2 preparer at Liberty which is the equivilent of HRB's basic level certification. Which in no way means I'm less of a preparer. It just means they test differently. I'm not sure how JH tests their preps. I know my cousin went through them. I'll have to ask her some day. lol My Aunt and I started at Block, of course she started some 20 years before me. Since then we have both left, but still respect and like the Block classes. I would assume the year they impliment the IRS certification they will grandfather in the corperate certifications. However the next test times the IRS certification would take priority over the others. I would love for them to even the playing field with one unified test. Who know though.
Jade!!Comment
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Zee
I didn't think you were insulting the original poster. I was just adding my appreciation for the board and people on it. It is much more dificult to interpret writing than talking. So sometimes I think the mood of the reader might influence how they take a post.
I don't get offended very easily. I have learned through the years that it is a terrible waste of time and energy to get offended by others and let it zap your energy and joy. I just look for the good and give everyone the benefit of the doubt. I am the eternal optimist in our family.
Thanks again for the great job with the board. By the way, Zee, please post again and tell us what some of those initials mean.
Linda FComment
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