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Best Tax Preparer certifications
Tax preparer certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as a tax preparer to employers. However, not all tax preparer certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a tax preparer are Tax Certification, Accredited tax preparer (ATP), and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Below is a list of the best tax preparer certifications. Obtaining a tax preparer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
9 best certifications for tax preparers
| Rank | Tax Preparer certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tax Certification | NBA |
| 2 | Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) | ACAT |
| 3 | International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA) | ACAT |
| 4 | Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | AHIMA |
| 5 | Computer Service Technician (CST) | ETA |
| 6 | Certified Bank Teller (CBT) | ICB |
| 7 | Certified Tax Specialist (CTS) | ICFS |
| 8 | Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS) | ETA |
| 9 | Certified Financial Planner (CFP) | CFP |
9 best tax preparer certifications
1. Tax Certification
NBA's Tax Certification assures employers you have tax knowledge and skill. You obtain the Certification by passing the Uniform Tax Certification Examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
2. Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? No
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
3. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? No
4. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. In fact, certification has become an implicit industry standard. Accordingly, the CCS credential demonstrates a practitioner's tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
5. Computer Service Technician (CST)
The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
6. Certified Bank Teller (CBT)
Applicable to financial services professionals who have completed the AIB Bank Teller Certificate and who function as bank tellers.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Certified Tax Specialist (CTS)
The CTS designation - you will learn how to reduce taxable income and discover the current income tax regulations and their impact on individuals, couples, families, and business owners. In addition, you'll gain sophisticated knowledge about business income, tax credits, itemized deductions, LLCs and S Corps, retirement plans, and home businesses.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
8. Certified Customer Service Specialist (CSS)
The Customer Service Specialist (CSS) is a certification that validates one's work skills through employability concepts. Though developed to meet the role of an evolving service oriented electronics technician, CSS is relevant to every industry, employer and employee. Topics included are Safety, Ethics, Respect, Teamwork, Communication, Telephone and Email Techniques, Problem Solving, Interpersonal Relationships, and Sales and Marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
9. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
The CFP certification process, administered by CFP Board, identifies to the public that those individuals in the U.S.who have been authorized to use the CFP certification mark have met rigorous professional standards and have agreed to adhere to the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when dealing with clients.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a tax preparer?
The best tax preparer certification is Tax Certification. The Tax Certification is awarded by the National Bookkeepers Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience. Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this tax preparer certification: To become a certified Tax Certification, you need to pass the exam. Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for tax preparers?
The most in-demand tax preparer certification is Tax Certification based on all active job postings. Having this tax preparer certification will give you access to more tax preparer jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a tax preparer career and salary?
The International Accredited Business Accountant certification will help you to secure a staff accountant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A staff accountant's average salary is $51,483 whereas tax preparers make an average salary of $51,020.
The most common combination of tax preparer certifications include: Tax Certification, Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP), and International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA).
Online courses for tax preparers to earn certifications
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