FAQ
Tax Preparer FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a tax preparer.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a tax preparer: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about tax preparers
Do tax preparers need a license?
They need a PTIN; some states require more.
What is an Enrolled Agent?
An IRS-licensed tax professional who can represent clients.
Is tax preparation seasonal?
Often, though many preparers work year-round.
How much does a tax preparer make?
The median annual wage for tax preparers was $54,920 ($26.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $33,760 and the highest 10% earned more than $99,270.
How long does it take to become a tax preparer?
Most people need about 1–3 months of tax training of training. A high school diploma is typical. Preparers need an IRS PTIN and usually complete tax preparation courses. Some states require registration and education, and Enrolled Agents pass a three-part IRS exam.
Do you need a degree to be a tax preparer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is tax preparer a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +4.7% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 9,400 openings each year. Upsides include quick training for seasonal work; a common challenge is that very busy tax season.
What skills does a tax preparer need?
Key technical skills include individual income tax rules, tax software, deductions and credits, and small business returns. Employers also value attention to detail, client communication, and trustworthiness.
What certifications are available for tax preparers?
Common credentials include IRS PTIN, IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP), Enrolled Agent (EA), and State registration. Anyone who prepares federal tax returns for compensation must have an IRS PTIN. Some states require registration or licensing. Enrolled Agents and CPAs have unlimited representation rights before the IRS.
Still deciding?
Try the Tax Preparer fit quiz, compare with Bookkeeper, or explore Tax Preparer training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 13-2082 (Tax preparers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Tax preparers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.