Tax Preparers
Business and Financial Operations
Clients are interviewed about taxable income and deductible expenses, and income statements and spending records are reviewed to decide which forms apply. Taxes owed or overpaid are computed on computers or adding machines; figures go onto the forms, and adjustments, deductions, and credits are applied so clients do not overpay. Totals and data entered by others are checked for arithmetic or procedure errors, and federal and state tax laws are explained so individuals and companies can complete forms correctly. Suits people who like precise figure work, following detailed form instructions, and explaining tax rules in everyday language.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$54'920
Median Wage Market Position
$54'920
What you might do
- Prepare tax returns for individuals and small businesses
- Calculate taxes owed using forms and tables
- Apply deductions and credits to lower taxes
- Interview clients about income and deductible expenses
- Review income statements and spending records
- Explain federal and state tax laws
Skills that matter
- Computing taxes owed or overpaid
- Applying deductions, credits, and adjustments
- Interviews on taxable income and expenses
- Simple-to-complex return preparation
- Checking arithmetic and data-entry errors
- Explaining federal and state tax laws
AI & the future of this role
Filing, form selection, and standard deduction choices are already heavily software-driven and may need even less human input. Complex edge cases and client hand-holding still arise, but the bulk of preparation work looks highly exposed.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details