Tax schools

[Broken Arrow]

I saw a sign on the window of an H&R Block outlet that advertised classes on preparing your taxes. My question is, has anyone done this before? If so, what are your thoughts on them? Are they worth the money? How much did you pay? Are there better ways to learn how to do your taxes?

[neguy11]

Re: Tax schools

I learned how to do taxes for free this past tax season by signing up for VITA: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. It is a free program offered around the country for low-income taxpayers to have their taxes filed or e-filed for free. I did it through my university and got a very large manual chock full of information!

I didn't learn EVERYTHING but I definitely learned a lot and it was very rewarding. Best part is, I now know how to do taxes free, although things do change from year to year.

[genchan]

Re: Tax schools

I took the H&R Block tax course years ago when I was in college - one of the best moves I've ever made. Never had any fear of taxes since then plus was able to help others with their taxes and earn extra money during that time of year. If you currently pay to have your taxes done, I think it is worthwhile attending some class like that.

[boefixepa]

Re: Tax schools

I've never taken any classes, but I've spent alot of time with turbo tax, reading forms, and instructions and the like. I can do any simple taxes and I certainly no longer fear them. I think there is a great benifit of understanding taxes and how they work. I cringe when people scream 'Claim Zero no matter what or they'll come after you.' Well no in those words, but that's the basic jist.

[xMoneyMakerx]

Re: Tax schools

How much is the H&R Block class? and for how long?

[b4freedom]

Re: Tax schools

I saw a sign on the window of an H&R Block outlet that advertised classes on preparing your taxes. My question is, has anyone done this before? If so, what are your thoughts on them? Are they worth the money? How much did you pay? Are there better ways to learn how to do your taxes?

Our community college actually offers a course in Tax Preperation. H&R Block offers their own that is free if you promise to work for them. Usually the courses are geared towards people that prepare other peoples taxes.

[Russell]

Re: Tax schools

Calculating taxes is easy if you take a little bit of time reading and understanding the 'income tax rate schedule' published by our beloved IRS. I look at it and then make a spreadsheet that I can plug the numbers into (401K, salary, other income) and it tells me what my taxes will be based on my deductions etc...its really not too hard.

Finding deductions is not too hard either, the information is available online with google's help.

Now as far as learning the tax laws...that's a whole different ball game.

[marjorie]

Re: Tax schools

I seem to remember the classes for the more qualified preparers starting around August, and continuing through December, but some of that was for the particular group. I'd go for H & R over Jackson HeWitt- I think you learn quite a bit more. I'm thinking classes were 2 nights a week, maybe 3 hours? plus you have homework. It was interesting to learn how much of how taxes are set up has to do with Public Policy, and differing agendas. Spend some time with Pub 17 (fat book) and give it a look over. It's available free from the IRS and it will give you a sense of what you'd be learning. After that you can be pretty confident in your choice of whether or not to take a class. Also, there is often a fee for books- around $100- but many schools will reimburse you if you agree to work for them. If you do I'd suggest having someone look over the contract carefully... I started a bidding was with 2 companies I was interested in after successfully completing a class. Good luck!