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.
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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.
Related Job Titles
- 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.
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.
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.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Tax Preparer?
Where do Tax Preparers Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Tax Preparers employed by various industries.
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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