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Has anyone explored the “annual filing season” training? It appears to provide a little more credibility when someone is looking for a tax preparer. But is it worth it?
Has anyone seen an increase in business from it? Is the content relevant enough to dedicate the required training hours for someone who has been doing taxes for many years? Or is it better for a newer preparer?
It probably depends on who offers it and what you are looking for. The trainings I have been to here in PA are usually a recap of the new tax laws each season; both individuals and businesses. I felt as a new preparer that I didn’t know what they were talking about since I didn’t have enough experience yet. I concentrated mainly on 1040’s in my job so as I gained experience, the trainings were a good recap for me on new 1040 laws and the business laws gave me some information in case I needed to know it in relation to an individual’s business.
A seasoned preparer could easily find the information online if they didn’t need to go for any other reason.
Keep in mind they usually fulfill continuing education credits.Thanks Julianne. The one I am looking at is from CEU\ Self Study and includes some interesting topics that apply to us as DMMs as well. Cost is $79 for 18 hrs w exams…https://www.ceselfstudy.com/all-courses/
That seems like a robust program for the cost. It looks like it is worth the cost. I don’t know that you would specifically see an increase in your business with it other than showing that you have the knowledge to help your clients with those types of issues. Still worth it in the long run in my opinion.
I am an Enrolled Agent myself – so I can’t speak from experience. But I was talking with a fellow Enrolled Agent yesterday who was saying that there is a bill on Trump’s desk requiring tax preparers to ALL of some kind of certification. She said that ASFP was one of the certifications that was to be allowed.
I have not looked into it directly – so please treat it more as heresay. BUT whether the bill on Trump’s desk includes it or not – there is definitely a push for more requirements for tax preparers. Some states (CA, OR, and a few others) already require it. So, you might factor that in too.
Thanks Katherine – I agree that some oversight is needed. And the ASFP was attempted to make required several years ago but the rollout was poorly done and expensive!
FYI – for anyone interested, I have already completed 5 of the six courses. They were the smaller ones but full of good information as DMMs or as tax preparers.
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