Tax Preparer

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

1.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Tax Preparer?

A Tax Preparer is a professional responsible for assisting individuals and businesses in preparing and filing tax returns. They ensure accuracy, compliance with tax laws, and help clients take advantage of any applicable tax deductions and credits.

Sample job titles:

Enrolled Agent, Tax Advisor, Tax Consultant, Tax Preparer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Tax Preparer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Tax Preparer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Tax Preparer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$60K per year	$69K per year	$82K per year	$104K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $3.81K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Tax Preparer do?

Work environment

Tax Preparers typically work in an office setting, which can be within a tax preparation company, accounting firm, or as part of a financial planning team. Some may operate independently. The work is often seasonal, with peak demand occurring from January to April, corresponding with the tax filing season.

Quick task list

Reviews financial records, such as income statements and expenditure documents.
Prepares or assists in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Identifies potential tax credits and liabilities and ensures accurate and complete returns are filed in a timely manner.
Advises clients on tax regulations and deduction strategies.
Keeps abreast of changes in tax regulation and legislation.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Individual Tax Preparation: Focusing on personal income tax return preparation for individuals.
Business Tax Preparation: Specializing in tax return preparation for businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and LLCs.
Estate Tax Preparation: Preparing tax returns for estates and trusts.
Tax Consulting: Providing advisory services on tax planning and strategies.
Audit Representation: Representing clients in audits by the IRS or state tax agencies.

Description

Tax Preparers play a critical role in ensuring individuals and businesses comply with tax laws and regulations. Their primary task is to prepare and file tax returns accurately and efficiently. This involves a thorough understanding of the tax code and the ability to apply it to each client's unique financial situation.

Tax Preparers must have strong attention to detail as they review financial records and calculate tax obligations. They need to be proficient in various tax preparation software and stay updated on changes in tax laws and regulations. Good interpersonal and communication skills are also essential, as they need to explain complex tax concepts to clients in a simple and understandable manner.

This profession requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, as tax laws are often subject to change. It offers the satisfaction of assisting clients in navigating the complexities of tax filing and potentially helping them save money through effective tax planning strategies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Assisting clients in successfully managing their tax obligations.
The challenge and intellectual stimulation of working with complex tax laws.
Opportunities for building long-term client relationships and providing valuable financial advice.

You might make a good Tax Preparer if you are...

Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of tax preparation.
Good with numbers and comfortable working with financial documents.
A problem-solver who enjoys navigating complex tax laws and regulations.
An effective communicator, capable of explaining tax-related concepts in simple terms.
Interested in a career with a strong seasonal component, offering potential for flexible work schedules.

Pros:

High demand for services during tax season, potentially leading to lucrative opportunities.
The opportunity to provide valuable assistance to clients, reducing their tax stress.
Flexibility in work arrangements, including the possibility of part-time or seasonal work.

Cons:

Work can be highly seasonal, with pressure to meet filing deadlines.
Constant need to update knowledge due to changes in tax laws and regulations.
The responsibility of ensuring accuracy and compliance can be stressful.

How to become a Tax Preparer

Typical education

While formal education requirements can vary, most Tax Preparers have at least an associate degree in accounting or a related field, which typically involves 2 years of post-secondary education. Additional certifications or training in tax preparation may also be required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, particularly courses that involve data analysis and problem-solving.
Accounting or bookkeeping courses to understand financial record-keeping.
Economics to gain a basic understanding of economic principles and government policies.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in math or finance clubs to enhance analytical skills.
Volunteering to assist in organizing financial records for school clubs or local non-profits.
Engaging in debate or public speaking activities to develop communication skills.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing an associate degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
Obtaining certification in tax preparation, such as the IRS's Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP).
Seeking internships or entry-level positions in tax preparation firms for practical experience.

More resources

National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) - Provides resources and education for tax professionals.
IRS Tax Professionals - Official IRS resources and updates for tax preparers.
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) - Offers resources and certification for bookkeeping professionals.
H&R Block Tax Academy - Offers courses on tax preparation.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.