Tax Preparers

Also Called: Enrolled Agent, Tax Advisor, Tax Consultant, Tax Preparer

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$29,170

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Tax Preparers do

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

  • Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
  • Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
Industry Areas:

Finance and Business • Transportation

Training Program Areas:

Accounting Services • OCT-Only Finance & Business • OCT-Only Transportation • Office Administration • Transportation Office Support

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Spend Time Sitting
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  • Electronic Mail
  • Telephone
  • Face-to-Face Discussions

Tools

  • Desktop calculator
  • Notebook computers
  • Desktop computers

Technology

Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Tax software
Tax preparation software
ATX Total Tax Office
Petz Enterprises V-Tax
Financial analysis software
Sungard Relius
Sync Essentials Trade Accountant

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning

Knowledge

Business
customer service
accounting and economics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Safety and Government
law and government

Education

  • 32% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 32% Bachelor's degree
  • 18% Some college, no degree

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Tax Preparers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Travel Guides

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Executive Secretaries & Executive Administrative Assistants

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Brokerage Clerks

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Atlanta - Job Corps

    Atlanta, Georgia

  • Excelsior Springs - Job Corps

    Excelsior Springs, Missouri

ACT & College

  • Acadiana Technical College-Lafayette Campus

    Lafayette, LA

  • Adams State University

    Alamosa, CO

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Enterprising (Persuader)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance

Values

  • Relationships
  • Independence
  • Support

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Math
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Tax Preparers across the country typically make.

$14.02 / hour
$29,170 /year

Entry Level

$23.56 / hour
$49,010 /year

Median Level

$47.50 / hour
$98,810 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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