Taxing times for tax preparers

[Davc]

are experiencing the same difficulties in hiring tax preparers. We have the most stringent testing and continuing ed of any state for rank and file preparers.

Unless they work for a CPA, in which case licensing is not required. Also, I have yet to hear of a state where CPA CPE in taxation is required to do taxes.

[oceanlovin'ea]

Not a shortage in Florida

I don't think there is a shortage of preparers in Florida. But there seems to be enough work for all of them.

My kids aren't interested in following in my footsteps either. Maybe when I get my schedule down better and really work mostly just 3 months they will change their mind.

I think sometimes they don't like all the education we have to do. But it is really not that bad.

I really like the majority of my clients, except maybe a couple. So my work is enjoyable.

Linda F

[iratax]

Oregon test

A critical piece of information is that the Oregon licensing is extremely tough. In fact for 2007 the pass rate on the test for tax preparer is only 45% and that is after taking the classes. 375 sat for the test and only 201 passed. How many sat for it more then once is not given.

[thomtax]

Not in our area

There is obviously not a shortage in my small town. We keep having people retire from metro
areas and move in to start doing business from the home. It makes it a highly competitive place to try to do business.

To be honest, I like putting in more time at one time and then having a lot of the year to do other things that need to be done.

LT

[veritas]

I doubt that most other states

are experiencing the same difficulties in hiring tax preparers. We have the most stringent testing and continuing ed of any state for rank and file preparers.

[Black Bart]

Good article, Gene. Thanks.

...I have 15 nieces and nephews who have no interest in this job. When I discuss it with them, they want the pay, but not the hours. Shame, they could have a good business in the near future.

I agree, Jiggers; I got the same reaction. To me, some of this stuff is like money found on the sidewalk. About all you have to do is bend over and pick it up. But the way they feel is, it's - just - too - much - trouble.

I don't know if the work ethic is dead or what. I heard a young tax preparer say "I'm not working like so-and-so does." That's not terrible, I guess...still, there's something...I don't know the right word...but to me his stature was reduced, as in, here's someone who does not want to work. In my old-folks age group, such people are considered a sorry lot (my relatives as well as yours). Here, "lazy" is about one of the worst four-letter words that can be applied to you. Almost anything else can be forgiven if you put in a good day at work.

[Jiggers]

Shortage of tax return preparers

The article also stated that low pay was cited as a reason people didn't want to do taxes but then said the average regular pay rate was between $14 and $22 per hour. Not too shabby for someone who didn't do more than take a 6 hour per week, 13 week course.

The pay hasn't been the problem.

The hours have.

Jan - Mar I put in 80 hour weeks, Apr they go to 90 hours weeks. After that I put in 40 hours weeks.

I do take 2 to 3 weeks off for vacation after that, some in conjunction with CPE in some nice places.

I have 15 nieces and nephews who have no interest in this job. When I discuss it with them, they want the pay, but not the hours.

Shame, they could have a good business in the near future.

[JoshinNC]

Supply and demand

"State tax officials blame the worker shortage on complex tax laws, difficult licensing tests and just a general dislike by many people of anything having to do with taxes."

Well if a little test is all it takes to drive out the fly by nights than ALL preparers nationwide should be tested. Then there would be less supply creating an opportunity to make more money for those of us who are true professionals.

The article also stated that low pay was cited as a reason people didn't want to do taxes but then said the average regular pay rate was between $14 and $22 per hour. Not too shabby for someone who didn't do more than take a 6 hour per week, 13 week course.

[Gene V]

Article on shortage of tax preparers
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/i...preparers.html