What Does it Take to Be a Tax Preparer?
Tax Preparer Definition Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
A Day in the Life of a Tax Preparer
- Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
- Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
- Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
- Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Tax Preparer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Tax Preparers say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.
Other Tax Preparer Job Titles
- Income Tax Expert
- Master Tax Advisor
- Tax Manager
- Certified Income Tax Preparer (CTP)
- Tax Associate
Job Outlook for Tax Preparers
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 95,900 jobs in the United States for Tax Preparer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.7% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 10,300 new jobs for Tax Preparer by 2026. There will be an estimated 11,500 positions for Tax Preparer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Tax Preparer are Tennessee, Utah, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Missouri, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Tax Preparer
Tax Preparers make between $20,550 and $81,720 a year.
Tax Preparers who work in New York, Massachusetts, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Tax Preparers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $38,520 |
| Alaska | $55,760 |
| Arizona | $39,270 |
| Arkansas | $36,240 |
| California | $57,040 |
| Colorado | $57,650 |
| Connecticut | $50,810 |
| District of Columbia | $97,070 |
| Florida | $39,020 |
| Georgia | $39,950 |
| Hawaii | $55,990 |
| Idaho | $33,220 |
| Illinois | $30,200 |
| Indiana | $40,780 |
| Iowa | $42,930 |
| Kansas | $37,320 |
| Kentucky | $37,920 |
| Louisiana | $39,590 |
| Maine | $38,270 |
| Maryland | $52,530 |
| Massachusetts | $65,670 |
| Minnesota | $50,440 |
| Mississippi | $28,770 |
| Missouri | $40,480 |
| Montana | $40,170 |
| Nebraska | $37,530 |
| Nevada | $49,030 |
| New Hampshire | $49,090 |
| New Jersey | $51,840 |
| New Mexico | $42,040 |
| New York | $63,440 |
| North Carolina | $45,460 |
| North Dakota | $53,920 |
| Ohio | $47,010 |
| Oklahoma | $42,820 |
| Oregon | $56,960 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,910 |
| Rhode Island | $41,770 |
| South Carolina | $41,000 |
| South Dakota | $42,650 |
| Tennessee | $46,670 |
| Texas | $49,750 |
| Utah | $46,470 |
| Vermont | $46,830 |
| Virginia | $34,090 |
| Washington | $38,130 |
| West Virginia | $30,910 |
| Wisconsin | $45,840 |
| Wyoming | $29,160 |
What Tools & Technology do Tax Preparers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Tax Preparers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Tax software
- Intuit Quicken
- ATX Total Accounting Office
- Web page creation and editing software
- ATX Total Tax Office
- CCH ProSystem fx TAX
- Intuit ProSeries
- Universal Tax Systems TaxWise
- Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
- Laserfiche Avante
How to Become a Tax Preparer
What education is needed to be a Tax Preparer?
What work experience do I need to become a Tax Preparer?
Where Tax Preparers Work
Tax Preparers work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Tax Preparer may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Tax Preparer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs.
Visit School
BusinessDegreeCentral.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© BusinessDegreeCentral.com – All Rights Reserved.