Employers

There are approximately 88,400 tax preparers employed in the United States. Tax preparers may work for tax service firms that conduct most of their business during tax season. Other tax preparers may be self-employed and work full or part time.

Starting Out

Tax work is seasonal, and most tax firms begin hiring tax preparers in December for the upcoming tax season. Some tax service firms will hire tax preparers from among the graduates of their own training courses. Tax preparers often find job listings through tax preparation firms' Web sites, such as H&R Block, as well as through private and state employment agencies.

Some tax preparers continue their academic education and work toward becoming certified public accountants. Others specialize in certain areas of taxation, such as real estate, corporate, or nonprofit work. Tax preparers who specialize in certain fields are able to charge higher fees for their services.

Experienced tax preparers may advance their careers by establishing a private consulting business. They may work alone or grow their business by hiring and managing other tax preparers and support staff.

Join professional association such as the National Association of Tax Professionals and the National Society of Tax Professionals for access to classes, publications, news and other resources.

Get a job or internship at large tax-preparation firms.

Talk to tax preparers about their careers. Ask them for tips on breaking into the field. 

Attend industry conferences—such as the National Association of Tax Professionals’ National Conference and Expo (https://www.natptax.com/EventsAndEducation/Conferences/NationalConference)—to network and to interview for jobs.