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A tax preparer is responsible for preparing and processing tax obligations for individuals and organizations. Their duties involve calculating tax returns, reviewing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. They must stay updated with recent changes in tax laws and have strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Tax preparers often interview clients to gather necessary information, prepare tax documents, and provide advice on deductible expenses and allowances. They may also resolve customer complaints, maintain confidentiality, and ensure accurate and timely tax form completion.
It typically takes 3-6 months to become a tax preparer:
Avg. Salary $51,020
Avg. Salary $59,228
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.55%
Asian 10.32%
Black or African American 10.86%
Hispanic or Latino 18.13%
Unknown 4.06%
White 56.08%
Genderfemale 71.81%
male 28.19%
Age - 48American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 48Stress level is manageable
7.1 - high
Complexity Level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work Life balance is very poor
6.4 - fair
Tax preparers often move into accounting roles, like staff accountant or senior accountant. They may also take on management positions, such as accounting manager or office manager. Some tax preparers become finance analysts or move into related fields like credit analysis or property management.
Tax preparers need skills in arithmetic and data entry to detect errors. They must also stay up-to-date on changes in tax law to advise clients. Strong customer service and time management skills are also important, as is being able to handle complaints effectively.
Skills | Percentages |
---|---|
Customer Service | 27.02% |
Good Communication | 13.97% |
Exceptional Client | 8.18% |
Math | 7.41% |
Excellent Interpersonal | 6.01% |
Tax preparer certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific tax preparer certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for tax preparers include Tax Certification and Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP).
Tax preparers are responsible for gathering information from clients, preparing and filing federal and state tax returns, and advising clients on tax laws and regulations. They must stay up-to-date with changes in tax law and use their knowledge to help clients minimize tax payments. As Kenton Klaus, Director of the Master of Science in Taxation at DePaul University, puts it, "The best way to maximize salary potential is to quickly narrow down the areas of tax where the graduate student can separate themselves from other candidates."
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your tax preparer resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a tax preparer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Now it's time to start searching for a tax preparer job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
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The average Tax Preparer salary in the United States is $51,020 per year or $25 per hour. Tax preparer salaries range between $30,000 and $85,000 per year.
What Am I Worth?
Seasonal work and flexible schedule
Low pay, considering the knowledge required to do the work and the volume of work that has to be done in a limited amount of time.
People get very upset because they have to pay more then they expected to pay IRS and their state taxes.
Being able to assist people financially. Tell them how to keep must of their money and pay as little in taxes legally.
Tracking billable hours