On-Line Courses ? And, Re "The Tax College"

Feb 20, 2014 3 Replies
B

Hello,



Would like to take a "good" basic on-line course regarding tax preparation, etc. Later, would like to move up to understanding/doing taxes related to non-profit institutions.



But I thought that one for starting out Tax-Preparers would be the way to get going.



Hopefully free or relatively inexpensive.



Could anyone, please, suggest some ? Many come up if you Google for them, but knowing which are good is hard.



BTW: Anyone know anything about "The Tax College" ?

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Their site isn't the easiest to navigate, but apparently all their courses are Free.



If so, how do they stay in existence ?



Thanks, appreciate any help and suggestions very much, Bob


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M

Well, as you know, you get what you pay for. If your goal is to professionally prepare tax returns for tax-exempt entities, you are best off obtaining the EA (or CPA) credential from the start. It will not be free or relatively inexpensive. You should also spend at least a few years in an actual tax preparation business, where you are signing, or preparing for your boss's signature, actual tax returns for clients.

I'll add, as a caution, that since board members of tax-exempt entities can be personally liable for certain tax liabilities, they will most likely not want to hire someone who has taken a "free or relatively inexpensive" path to professional tax preparation.

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R

Go for it. You should remember that when starting a new business, education costs are not deductible as stated in

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Education costs are only deductible when you are in the same field. So take the free course, establish yourself as a professional, and then take paid courses if the free ones don't cut it. Maybe the course is free because they get money from ads (tax software companies, etc). Or maybe they want you to buy their next course which costs money. No idea.

And remember that if you live in California you need to take a CTEC certified course. I think those always cost money.

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