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Tax preparer vs tax preparation assistant

The differences between tax preparers and tax preparation assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a tax preparation assistant has an average salary of $55,417, which is higher than the $51,020 average annual salary of a tax preparer.

The top three skills for a tax preparer include customer service, good communication and exceptional client. The most important skills for a tax preparation assistant are individual tax returns, income statement, and W-2.

Tax preparer vs tax preparation assistant overview

Tax PreparerTax Preparation Assistant
Yearly salary$51,020$55,417
Hourly rate$24.53$26.64
Growth rate--
Number of jobs41,73626,792
Job satisfaction3-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Average age4747
Years of experience--

Tax preparer vs tax preparation assistant salary

Tax preparers and tax preparation assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Tax PreparerTax Preparation Assistant
Average salary$51,020$55,417
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $85,000Between $27,000 And $110,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateRhode Island-
Best paying companyGoldman Sachs-
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between tax preparer and tax preparation assistant education

There are a few differences between a tax preparer and a tax preparation assistant in terms of educational background:

Tax PreparerTax Preparation Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 50%
Most common majorAccountingAccounting
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Southern California

Tax preparer vs tax preparation assistant demographics

Here are the differences between tax preparers' and tax preparation assistants' demographics:

Tax PreparerTax Preparation Assistant
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 28.2% Female, 71.8%Male, 33.2% Female, 66.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.9% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 10.3% White, 56.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 9.7% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between tax preparer and tax preparation assistant duties and responsibilities

Tax preparer example responsibilities.

  • 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.
  • Assist outside real property tax appeal providers by providing information necessary for filing appeals.
  • Create engaging Microsoft PowerPoint sides about associate trading arrangements with transfer pricing policy for upcoming speeches for the group director.
    • Show more

Tax preparation assistant example responsibilities.

  • Complete advanced level IRS certification for income tax preparation.
  • Serve as both a tax-preparer and personal assistant to a CPA.
  • Update records in QuickBooks system every time the client report a change.
  • Communicate with IRS concerning updates and regulation clarification.
  • Facilitate efficient operations by performing key accounting role; process payroll and daily reconciliations.
  • Start job by assisting TurboTax user's on how to enter information into the TurboTax program.

Tax preparer vs tax preparation assistant skills

Common tax preparer skills
  • Customer Service, 27%
  • Good Communication, 14%
  • Exceptional Client, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • Excellent Interpersonal, 6%
  • Taxable Income, 6%
Common tax preparation assistant skills
  • Individual Tax Returns, 26%
  • Income Statement, 10%
  • W-2, 10%
  • Trial Preparation, 6%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 5%
  • IRS, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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