Tax Accountant

Print

Work Tasks

TAX ACCOUNTANTS help ensure that companies pay their taxes properly and on time. Tax accountants prepare federal, state, or local income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, business establishments, or other organizations. They use computers to examine accounts and records and to compute taxes owed according to the prescribed rates, laws, and regulations. Tax accountants advise management regarding the effects of various business transactions upon taxes, and recommend ways to reduce taxes. Tax accountants ensure that establishments comply with periodic tax payment and other taxing authority requirements, and they may report information.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $66,500 average per year ($32.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (154,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most public accounting and business firms require applicants for TAX ACCOUNTANT positions to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer those with a master's degree in accounting, or business administration with a concentration in accounting. Practical knowledge of computers and their applications for accounting is a great asset for job seekers in the accounting field. Tax accountants working as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) must have a certificate and the partners in their firm must have licenses issued by a State Board of Accountancy.