Tax Preparer
Also called: CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Enrolled Agent, Tax Advisor, Income Tax Preparer
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
What does a Tax Preparer do?
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
- Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
How to become a Tax Preparer
Training: A high school diploma or GED or a certificate after high school. Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Skills you'll use
Is it a fit for you?
- Cautiousness
- Integrity
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Achievement Orientation
Tools and technology
Questions people ask
How much does a Tax Preparer make?
About $54,920 a year at the U.S. median. Most earn between $33,760 and $99,270. Pay depends on the state, the employer and experience.
How long does it take to become a Tax Preparer?
Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Do you need a college degree to be a Tax Preparer?
No four-year degree is needed. A high school diploma or GED or a certificate after high school.
Is Tax Preparer a good career to get into?
O*NET lists it as a Bright Outlook career: it's expected to grow quickly or have lots of openings in the next few years.
Related careers
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Build my free kit →National wage figures via O*NET Web Services. This application incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Figures are national estimates and vary by state, employer and experience. Career details from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.