How long does it take to become a Tax Preparer?

It takes 5 years of professional experience to become a tax preparer. That is the time it takes to learn specific tax preparer skills, but does not account for time spent in formal education. If you include the normal education requirements to complete a college degree, then it takes 8 to 10 years years to become a 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.

How To Become A Tax Preparer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a tax preparer and how to become one

Updated June 25, 2024

5 min read

Quoted Expert

Mike Ozlanski Ph.D.

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.

What general advice would you give to a Tax Preparer?

Mike Ozlanski Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Accounting, Susquehanna University

Technical accounting skills are necessary but not sufficient to thrive in the profession. Young professionals should seek professional development opportunities to enhance their knowledge base for data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital assets. Knowledge of ESG reporting will also become more important, especially with the new SEC rules about climate-related disclosures.

How long does it takes to become a tax preparer?

It typically takes 3-6 months to become a tax preparer:

Months 1-3: Completing on-site training in tax preparation, including familiarizing with tax forms, software, and laws.
Months 4-6: Accumulating work experience in preparing tax returns and handling tax-related issues.

ScoreTax PreparerUS Average

Salary

4.0

Avg. Salary $51,020

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

6.9

Race

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%

Gender

female 71.81%

male 28.19%

Age - 48

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Stress Level

6.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

8.0

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

2.0

Work Life balance is very poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a tax preparer

Explore tax preparer education requirements

Most common tax preparer degrees

Bachelor's

46.2 %

Associate

24.3 %

High School Diploma

11.9 %

Start to develop specific tax preparer skills

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%

Complete relevant tax preparer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New tax preparers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a tax preparer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real tax preparer resumes.

Gain additional tax preparer certifications

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).

More About Certifications

Research tax preparer duties and responsibilities

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."

Verify data input and totals on forms prepare by others to detect errors in math, data entry, or procedures.
Follow IRS's guidelines in accurately preparing taxes and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
Prepare a wide range of tax returns, help prepare subscription agreements, and help small start-up companies comply with GAAP.
Perform monthly bank statement reconciliations and create monthly financial statements.

Prepare your tax preparer resume

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.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Tax Preparer Resume templates

Build a professional Tax Preparer resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Tax Preparer resume.