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Tax Preparer

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What is a Tax Preparer?

Example of Tax Preparer Job Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

List of Tax Preparer Job Duties

  • Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
  • Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
  • Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
  • Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.

Qualities of a Tax Preparer

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.

  • Tax Professional
  • Income Tax Preparer
  • Income Tax Expert
  • Tax Evaluator
  • Tax Preparer

What Kind of Tax Preparer Job Opportunities Are There?

There were about 95,900 jobs for Tax Preparer in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 11,500 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Do Tax Preparers Make A Lot Of Money?

The average yearly salary of a Tax Preparer ranges between $20,550 and $81,720.

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Tax Preparers who work in New York, Massachusetts, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.

How much do Tax Preparers make in different U.S. states?

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

Tools & Technologies Used by Tax Preparers

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 do I Become a Tax Preparer?

Learn what Tax Preparer education requirements there are.

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Tax Preparer?

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Where do Tax Preparers Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Tax Preparers employed by various industries.

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Tax Preparer might also be interested in the following careers:

Are you already one of the many Tax Preparer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: Pixabay via CC0 License

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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