by Starla Ross

Created on: March 07, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

If you enjoy working with people, are intrigued by rows of numbers and actually enjoy the challenge of completing your annual tax return, a career in tax preparation may be for you.

As the tax code becomes more complicated every year, a growing number of people are seeking the advice of tax professionals.

*Overview of This Business

The premise of a tax preparation service is straightforward. A tax preparer helps individuals or small businesses prepare and submit annual tax returns. In addition, the preparer may help clients with overdue taxes or correspondence from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Tax preparation businesses do not provide accounting services. If you are considering tax preparation as a career, it is not necessary to have an accounting degree or a CPA license. You do, however, need a general knowledge of accounting in order review the reports and paperwork clients may bring to you, and you may need to obtain additional training pertaining to tax law.

*Pros of This Home Business

The positive aspects of starting a tax preparation service are many. Unlike other businesses, not much is required in start-up costs. Tax preparation can easily be done in a home office, leaving you with no additional rent or utility charges than that which you are already paying.

No professional licenses are required to prepare taxes, and educational requirements are non-existent. All that's required to prepare taxes for others is an ability to understand numbers and a grounded knowledge of the tax code. If you choose to represent clients during an IRS audit, more training may be required. IRS Circular No. 230 provides an overview of necessary requirements if you do choose to provide such services.

Tax preparation can allow you flexibility in your work hours. While you do need to be available during the hours clients may need your services, you can set your own schedule to accommodate other obligations you may have.

It's also one of the few businesses you can choose either part-time or full-time hours, and you can even start a tax preparation business while working another job.

Because most of your business will be during the months of January through April, you can easily sneak in vacation time during the summer when you're looking for a chance to get away.

*Cons of This Home Business

While the seasonal nature of this business can be beneficial, ironically it's also one of the drawbacks. Because most of your income will be made during January through April of each year, you'll

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