Jackson Hewitt and H&R block offer great ways to get started as a tax preparer. These two tax preparing giants offer the opportunity for young and old to enter into a short course to get certified as a tax preparer.

Jackson Hewitt`s classes are usually free and only the cost of books are required by the student. That fee varies between 75 - 100 dollars. Whether or not individual pay for the class, or how much the books cost vary by state. Flexible class times allows for students to start class either in the morning, afternoon, or evening or they can take a Saturday for 2.5 or 3 hours a class. There are two options students can either take the 8 week course or the 12 week course. The Tax Preparation class is offered in three different formats.

The first is a traditional classroom. Complete with a knowledgeable instructor, books and workbooks. Then there is the computerized classroom which is an odd one. Basically students are seated in front of a computer and guided through the class by clicking through reading material and taking chapter quizzes. Lastly there is the online course format. Like any other online course there is support for students and assignments that are to be completed. No matter which one students take there is a final exam. 98% of graduates get offered jobs on the spot. Talk about earning back an investment!

H&R Block`s classes lasts up to 11 weeks and class usually is 3 hours long per session. The books are usually free, but it does vary state to state. Registration fees for the course averages between 200 - 250 dollars, again depending on the state. H&R Block has flexible schedules where individuals could sign up for classes that start either in the morning, afternoon, or evening and usually meet 2 - 3 times a week. There also is the option for Saturday classes. Age is not a problem, those under 18 can register for the course as long as they have a parent or guardian signature.

These two Tax Preparing giants offer individuals a way to get a new set of marketable skills without having to go back to school for a diploma. Other tax preparing agencies most likely over this service as well. However, since these two are well known a Certification in Tax Preparation will be dually noted.