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Tax Preparers

In the Tax Preparers occupation, workers prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. O*NET rates it as medium preparation, which usually means one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree. It leans on reading comprehension, active listening, and critical thinking. The job can ask you to compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables. The strongest interest signal is Conventional (6.8 of 7), then Enterprising (3.4) and Investigative, which gives it the code CEI. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Main tasks

  • Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
  • Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
  • Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
  • Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
  • Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and active listening.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CEI takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
  • Enrolled Agent
  • Income Tax Preparer
  • Tax Accountant
  • Tax Advisor

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.