Tax Preparer

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Work Tasks

TAX PREPARERS prepare income tax return forms for individuals and small businesses for a fee. They review financial records such as prior tax returns, income statements from employers, property tax records, year-end interest and dividend summaries, and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare returns. They interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances. Tax preparers accurately fill out forms and calculate taxes owed based on state and federal income tax laws and tax tables.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $39,500 average per year ($19.00 per hour)
• A medium occupation (57,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow slowly (0.3% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most states require TAX PREPARERS preparing tax returns for a fee to be registered. Generally, applicants for registration must be eighteen years of age and have a high school diploma. They also must have had approved instruction in basic personal income tax law, theory, and practice; or two years of work experience preparing tax returns. Tax preparers who are regulated by other agencies, such as enrolled agents, do not have to register with the state.