Occupation · SOC 13-2082
Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Median wage
$50,560
$30,500–$96,240
Projected growth
+4.5%
Average growth
Annual openings
410
per year
Employed (US)
73,570
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
1,198 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningSpeakingTime ManagementMonitoringService Orientation
Knowledge areas
Economics and AccountingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsLaw and Government
Technology & tools
Project management softwareAccounting softwareTax preparation softwareFinancial analysis softwareElectronic mail software
Representative tasks
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries onUse 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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic tax forms and instructions — locate and interpret under direct supervisor guidance during initial client file review.Adding machines and personal computers — operate to compute taxes owed or overpaid on straightforward individual returns under close oversight.Standard tax tables and rate schedules — reference and apply following step-by-step protocols provided by a senior preparer.Client intake interviews — conduct with structured question guides to gather basic information on taxable income and deductible expenses.Simple individual tax returns — assist in preparing by entering data into tax preparation software under direct supervision in a retail tax office.Income statements and basic expenditure records — review to identify which tax forms are needed, with supervisor confirmation of each selection.Data entry totals on forms prepared by others — check for arithmetic errors using spreadsheet software following a defined verification checklist.Common federal and state tax filing deadlines — recognize and track using a shared calendar or project management tool to support timely submission.Tax preparation software interfaces — navigate to input client data accurately into designated fields on standard W-2 and 1099-based returns.Client communication — respond to routine questions about form requirements using scripted guidance provided by the supervising tax professional.
developing
Individual and small-business tax returns of moderate complexity — prepare independently using tax preparation software in a storefront or small-firm setting.Applicable adjustments, deductions, and credits — identify and apply routinely to reduce clients' tax liability within familiar income categories and filing statuses.Client interviews — conduct without structured guides to elicit complete information on taxable income, allowances, and deductible business expenses.Federal and state tax laws relevant to common filing situations — explain clearly to individual clients during in-office consultations.Financial records including income statements and expenditure documentation — review and analyze with reduced oversight to select appropriate tax forms.Completed returns prepared by entry-level staff — verify for data entry errors, procedural omissions, and arithmetic inaccuracies before submission.Tax preparation and accounting software — use proficiently to manage multiple client files simultaneously during the peak filing season.Client service interactions — handle with active listening and clear oral expression to build trust and ensure accurate information exchange.Time management techniques — apply to prioritize a caseload of routine and moderately complex returns against filing deadlines.Electronic mail and document management software — use to exchange sensitive financial documents with clients while maintaining confidentiality protocols.
proficient
Complex individual and small-business tax returns — prepare autonomously, applying nuanced judgment on deductions, credits, and multi-state filing requirements.Tax minimization strategies — evaluate and implement across a diverse client portfolio by leveraging all appropriate adjustments and credits within legal boundaries.Non-routine tax situations — analyze using inductive and deductive reasoning to determine correct treatment for uncommon income sources and expenses.Clients facing audit risk or amended return needs — advise by interpreting relevant federal and state tax law and communicating findings in plain language.Financial analysis software and advanced spreadsheet tools — employ to model tax scenarios and support data-driven recommendations for small-business clients.Quality review of full return packages — conduct systematically to detect procedural, legal, and computational errors across an entire office workload.Changing tax legislation — monitor through active learning and translate into updated preparation practices with minimal direction from management.Billing and invoicing software — oversee for client account accuracy, ensuring fees align with service complexity and firm pricing standards.Client retention and satisfaction — sustain through consistent service orientation, follow-through on commitments, and proactive communication throughout the tax year.Cross-functional records including payroll, depreciation schedules, and asset documentation — integrate to produce accurate and defensible business tax returns.
advanced
Firm-wide tax preparation standards and quality control procedures — develop and implement to ensure compliance, accuracy, and consistency across all staff levels.Junior and mid-level tax preparers — mentor and train on complex return preparation, tax law interpretation, and professional ethics in a structured office environment.Strategic tax planning frameworks — design for small-business clients by synthesizing accounting knowledge, legal requirements, and financial analysis capabilities.Organizational workflow and project management systems — architect to optimize throughput during peak filing seasons and eliminate bottlenecks across the preparer team.Federal and state regulatory changes — assess for organizational impact and direct updates to internal procedures, training materials, and client advisories.High-stakes or high-complexity client engagements — lead personally, applying advanced judgment to navigate ambiguous tax law and represent the firm's technical authority.Staff performance and competency development — evaluate using defined benchmarks tied to accuracy rates, client satisfaction, and filing efficiency metrics.Technology adoption decisions — guide for tax preparation, document management, and financial analysis platforms to modernize practice operations.Ethical standards and professional integrity culture — model and reinforce across the organization to protect client trust and ensure regulatory compliance.Cross-industry client advisory relationships — cultivate by translating complex tax and accounting insights into actionable business guidance for small-business owners and entrepreneurs.
Also known as
22 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Tax PreparerState and Local Tax Associate (SALT Associate)CPA (Certified Public Accountant)Credentialed Tax ProfessionalEnrolled AgentTax Preparer AssistantPreseason Tax ProfessionalTax ExpertLicensed Tax ConsultantIncome Tax ConsultantTax EvaluatorIncome Tax AdvisorCorporate Tax PreparerTax ConsultantTax AssociateIncome Tax PreparerTax SpecialistTax ProfessionalTax AccountantCredentialed Tax ExpertTax AdvisorIncome Tax Expert