Need Advice re: Tax Education

#4 02-16-2005, 10:57 PM

- quote -

> > > I have decided that I would like to become an EA. What do
> > > you think would be the best route? I would like to take a
> > > refresher course for basic taxation, and then EA prep. I
> > > thought I might enroll again this fall in Block's
> > > introductory course, then use either Gleim or Thomas Tax to
> > > get me up to speed for the SEE.

Thomas worked for me.

--
Don EA in Upstate NY

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#3 02-15-2005, 06:28 AM

"A" <a[at]nospam.com> wrote:
- quote -

> <cinnabar5[at]aol.com> wrote:

> > I have decided that I would like to become an EA. What do
> > you think would be the best route? I would like to take a
> > refresher course for basic taxation, and then EA prep. I
> > thought I might enroll again this fall in Block's
> > introductory course, then use either Gleim or Thomas Tax to
> > get me up to speed for the SEE.

> I wouldn't waste the time or money on the Block course. The
> EA exam covers a LOT more than individual income tax. You're
> better off taking a couple of college level tax courses.
> There is a reason that 8,064 candidates took the exam in
> 2003 and only 2,657 (33%) passed all four parts... many of
> the 8,064 are Block type preparers that think they know
> taxes because the have many years of experience, but the
> exam is much more academic than practical. Seventy-five
> percent of the test is not about individual taxation, which
> is really all that Block covers. Gleim is an excellent
> review course but without at least a fundamental background
> in partnerships, corporations, estate, trusts, it would be
> difficult to pass the test with just a review course (IMHO).

No disrespect intended but you do not appear to understand
what courses Block offers.

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#2 02-13-2005, 11:31 PM

<cinnabar5[at]aol.com> wrote:

- quote -

> I have decided that I would like to become an EA. What do
> you think would be the best route? I would like to take a
> refresher course for basic taxation, and then EA prep. I
> thought I might enroll again this fall in Block's
> introductory course, then use either Gleim or Thomas Tax to
> get me up to speed for the SEE.

I wouldn't waste the time or money on the Block course. The
EA exam covers a LOT more than individual income tax. You're
better off taking a couple of college level tax courses.
There is a reason that 8,064 candidates took the exam in
2003 and only 2,657 (33%) passed all four parts... many of
the 8,064 are Block type preparers that think they know
taxes because the have many years of experience, but the
exam is much more academic than practical. Seventy-five
percent of the test is not about individual taxation, which
is really all that Block covers. Gleim is an excellent
review course but without at least a fundamental background
in partnerships, corporations, estate, trusts, it would be
difficult to pass the test with just a review course (IMHO).

<< -------------------------------------------------> << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting > << messages to this newsgroup are at www.asktax.org > << ------------------------------------------------->

#1 02-13-2005, 11:31 PM

<cinnabar5[at]aol.com> wrote:

- quote -

> Would you please give me the benefit of your education and
> experience?
> In 2002, I completed H&R Block's Basic Income Tax Course,
> and worked for them in 2003. I enjoyed preparing taxes, but
> a long- term career with Block is not for me.
> I have decided that I would like to become an EA. What do
> you think would be the best route? I would like to take a
> refresher course for basic taxation, and then EA prep. I
> thought I might enroll again this fall in Block's
> introductory course, then use either Gleim or Thomas Tax to
> get me up to speed for the SEE.

You might consider Block's SEE course (13 weeks/8hrs/wk plus
hw) and follow that with the SEE software package from
WiseGuides.

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02-13-2005, 10:34 PM

cinnabar5[at]aol.com wrote:

- quote -

> Is there another way to go re: tax refresher courses, and
> what are your(specific)recommendations regarding EA
> preparation? Self-motivation is not a problem; therefore,
> all things being equal, I would prefer studying at home.

I just bought software that had a million sample questions,
and worked them until I understood all the answers. (I also
had a good resource person who could explain the stuff I
couldn't work out on my own.)

Phoebe

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#-1 02-11-2005, 07:04 AM

Would you please give me the benefit of your education and
experience?

In 2002, I completed H&R Block's Basic Income Tax Course,
and worked for them in 2003. I enjoyed preparing taxes, but
a long- term career with Block is not for me.

I have decided that I would like to become an EA. What do
you think would be the best route? I would like to take a
refresher course for basic taxation, and then EA prep. I
thought I might enroll again this fall in Block's
introductory course, then use either Gleim or Thomas Tax to
get me up to speed for the SEE.

Is there another way to go re: tax refresher courses, and
what are your(specific)recommendations regarding EA
preparation? Self-motivation is not a problem; therefore,
all things being equal, I would prefer studying at home.

Thank you for your input on this. I really appreciate your
help!

<< -------------------------------------------------> << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting > << messages to this newsgroup are at www.asktax.org > << ------------------------------------------------->

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