IRS Enrolled Agents?
Question:
I plan on taking a course tax course this fall either through our local junior college or through H & R Block and I am having a hard time chosing which to attend.
When I told my boss at work that I wanted to take a class this fall she thought the college course would be best. But I am not so sure...
I would like to study to become an enrolled agent and I want to chose the best way to prepare for the test. I have printed out the past test to look over for an idea of what will be on the test, but I want to make sure I can pass it. I see on Amazon.com they have study guides also...
Does anyone have any advice?
Thanks!
Answer:
I would take both if you can. The college course will focus on theory and understanding and the H&R course will be more practical and focus on actually filling out the forms.
take the Block course. I took it 24 years ago, and I learned more about taxes in that 12 week course than I did studying for, taking, and passing the CPA exam.
Block does offer a course in most major metropolitan areas. They have allowed non-Block people to take the course but I had heard a rumor that they were going to change that.
Search for "EA Exam Review" on the web and you will see a ton of stuff that you can buy. I purchased a CD from an EA in Montana and many people I know purchased the "Gleim" review books.
i'm trying to do the same thing but under vita
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0...
when i went to the irs office, they mentioned aarp. check them out.
The college course would be better than the H&R Block course - you'll learn more in-depth.
I took the H&R Block class a few years ago and thought it was great. It is structured in a more "real world" enviornment than most college classes that I have taken.
You cover the most common returns that you will see. It starts out very basic (rounding numbers) and then moves through the 1040 in a logical manner, using lots of examples and workbook exercises.
Their class will not prepare you for the EA exam, except to give you a very solid foundation in basic 1040 returns.
As far as the EA exam, I would take a class designed specificially to help you with pass the test, not a college class.
You won't regret taking the Block class, plus it will save you a ton of $.
Good luck!
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