Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Also called: Corporate Tax Preparer, CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Credentialed Tax Expert, Credentialed Tax Professional, Enrolled Agent, Income Tax Advisor
Median pay
$54,920
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$33,760 – $99,270
People employed
76,480
Holland code
CEI
Conventional · Enterprising · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 3.Do you want a job with little physical risk?
- 4.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 5.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 6.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 7.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
Tax Preparers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (48 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What tax preparers do
- 01Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- 02Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
- 03Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
- 04Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
- 05Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
- 06Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Law and Government
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from tax preparers
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks95% · −8%
- Brokerage Clerks91% · +20%
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks87% · −9%
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks85% · +6%
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants85% · +1%
Change into tax preparers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks89% · $50,670
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks87% · $50,020
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks85% · $58,260
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants81% · $55,570
- Brokerage Clerks80% · $65,750
Majors that lead here
- Accounting
- Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
- Taxation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.