Tax preparer

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

None

Calculate your switch to tax preparer

What the work is like

Core tasks

• 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.
• Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
• Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
• Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
• Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
• Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.

Also called: CPA (Certified Public Accountant) · Enrolled Agent · Income Tax Preparer · Tax Accountant · Tax Advisor · Tax Associate · Tax Consultant · Tax Preparer

Outlook and AI

Tax preparers held 95,800 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 100,300 by 2035 (+5%, about as fast as average; all jobs: +3.5%).

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