Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
This question is about tax preparer.
What degree do you need to be a tax preparer?
You need a bachelor's degree in accounting to be a tax preparer. This is not a requirement for the field, but it will definitely benefit your career.
Getting the proper training to be a tax preparer can be done at different institutions, such as technical schools, vocational schools, and community colleges. During your education, you should take courses in tax filing status, taxpayer interviews, state tax codes, calculation of refunds, annual filings, and tax forms.
No matter the educational route you choose, you should also seek to gain accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation or the National Association of Tax Professionals.
To become a professional tax preparer, you need to have a valid ID number from the IRS. This refers to a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). If your application is approved, you earn the certification of an unenrolled tax preparer.
This gives you the ability to file basic tax returns for businesses and individuals. Depending on your state, this may be the only requirement.
If you want to open and run your own tax preparation business, you need to apply for an additional number from the IRS, an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). For this number, the IRS performs an additional credit and criminal background check.
If approved, you are cleared to e-file tax returns for your customers.
Certain states require you to take additional steps to be a tax preparer. If you get your PTIN, but you live in California, Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, New York, or Oregon, you then need to get a state license to become a tax preparer.
Choose from 10+ customizable resume templates
Zippia allows you to choose from different easy-to-use templates, and provides you with expert advice. Using the templates, you can rest assured that the structure and format of your resume is top notch. Choose a template with the colors, fonts & text sizes that are appropriate for your industry.
