How do I get a tax preparer license in Oregon?

Step 1. Check which license you need. The Board says anyone who prepares Oregon personal income tax returns for pay must be licensed or registered with it, though businesses operating outside Oregon aren't required to register. The Tax Preparer license is the apprenticeship level. A tax preparer must work under the supervision of a licensed tax consultant, a certified public accountant, a public accountant, or an attorney who prepares tax returns for their clients.

Step 2. Choose a board approved 80-hour course. You must be at least 18 and a high school graduate or have passed an equivalency exam. The Board says only board approved courses are acceptable, and college coursework may be approved in place of the course if you send a college transcript. The Board publishes a list of approved 80-hour course sponsors.

Step 3. Take the course. The Board says community colleges, vocational schools and approved basic course sponsors offer courses designed for the 80 hours, and it lists the sponsors in its General Information Booklet. Keep your certificate of completion, because it must go with your license application.

Step 4. Pass the exam and get licensed. The Board says you must pass its tax preparer exam with a 75% score or higher, and your course certificate must be submitted with your license application before the license is issued. Once you are licensed, plan for CE: 30 hours since your last renewal, 2 of them on professional conduct and ethics, except at the renewal of an initial license.