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Tax Preparers


Overview

Tax Preparers

Introduction

Tax preparers prepare income tax returns for individuals and small businesses for a fee, for either quarterly or yearly filings. They help to establish and maintain business records to expedite tax preparations and may advise clients on how to save money on their tax payments. There are approximately 88,400 tax preparers employed in the United States.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$43,080

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma
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Experience

On-the-job training


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Skills

Interpersonal
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Personality Traits

Conventional
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Earnings

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual income for tax preparers was approximately $43,080 in May 2019. Salaries ranged from less than $21,750 to more than $87,060 annually. Incomes vary widely, however, due to a number of factors.

Tax preparers generally charge a fee per tax return, which may range from $30 to $1,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the retur...

Work Environment

Tax preparers generally work in office settings that may be located in neighborhood business districts, shopping malls, or other high-traffic areas. Employees of tax service firms may work at storefront desks or in cubicles during the three months preceding the April 15 tax-filing deadline. In addition, many tax preparers work at home to earn extra money while they hold a full-time job.

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Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for tax preparers will decline by about 1 percent through 2029. Tax laws are constantly changing and growing more complex, however, so there will be continued need for tax professionals will. Recent surveys of employers in large metropolitan areas have found an adequate supply of tax preparers; prospects for employment may be better in small...