EDUCATION
A Solution to the Shortage of Seasonal Tax Preparers By Chuck McCabe
C
PAs are rarely taught how to prepare individual and small business tax returns in college. Those who have become competent tax preparers have usually learned this skill through continuing education after passing the CPA exam. Many large CPA firms have developed their own in-house education institutions and faculty to provide practical continuing education for their employees. Small and mid-sized CPA firms are more likely to outsource education. CPA firms that provide tax services typically have at least one partner who is a tax expert. However, individual and small business taxpayers may not be willing or able to pay the high hourly rate of a tax partner to prepare their returns. Therefore, most CPA firms need to develop a source of lower-cost qualified tax preparers, including paraprofessionals who are available on a seasonal basis. Unfortunately, there is not an abundant pool of qualified tax preparers available to meet this need. The Income Tax School (ITS) provides affordable practical solutions for CPA firms to develop qualified tax professionals in-house. ITS offers two options: (1) a turn-key system for the CPA firm’s tax partner(s) to provide live classroom instruction with minimal preparation required; and (2) e-learning courses
and seminars supported by ITS instructors or by the CPA firm’s tax professional.
Option 1: Classroom Instruction Classroom instruction includes student texts and instructor guides complete with lesson plans, homework assignments, quizzes and exams, and teaching techniques and aids. The instructor needs only tax knowledge and communication skill to teach the courses. Instructor preparation is limited to reading the student text and reviewing the instructor guide to ensure an understanding of the topics and the answers to the quizzes, homework assignments and exams. Benefits of live classroom instruction: • Observe candidates before hiring them • Teach interview techniques through roleplaying • Student interaction enhances learning • Instructor develops a rapport with students
Option 2: Online Instruction All ITS courses and seminars are available as interactive e-learning programs that enable students to study independently any time, 24/7, wherever there is Internet access. The e-learning management system automatically
grades homework, quizzes and exams and provides instructional feedback. Instructor support is provided by email and a student forum is available. The curriculum is the same as for live classroom instruction. Benefits of e-learning include: • Accessible from any computer with Internet access • No classroom teaching and equipment required • Automatic grading on all homework, quizzes and exams • Easy monitoring of students’ progress • Easy online access to useful resources • Students can work at their own pace • Accommodates students unable to attend live classes CPA firms can also use a combination of classroom and e-learning to reduce the number of classroom hours for the instructor and the students, while still providing live interaction. Chuck McCabe is president and CEO of Peoples Income Tax, Inc. and The Income Tax School, Inc. For more information, call 800984-1040.
> visit The Income Tax School AT www.TheIncomeTaxSchool.com
Impress the Big Dogs Nothing impresses management or clients like finding anomalies not previously detected. Identify control and transaction issues before they become a problem for your organization or client with IDEA® – Data Analysis Software.
Access and analyze large volumes of data in seconds to: Identify errors and detect fraud Extend your auditing capabilities Meet documentation standards For a free demonstration CD of IDEA, contact us at audimation.com or call 888-641-2800.
IDEA is a registered trademark of CaseWare International Inc.
CPA Solutions 2011 | 5