Job description template

Tax Preparer Job Description Template

A copy-ready tax preparer job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows tax preparers earn a median of $54,920 ($26.40/hour); the middle 50% earn $38,910–$76,300.

Job title

Tax Preparer

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable tax preparer to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will interview clients about income and life changes, gather and review tax documents and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Interview clients about income and life changes
  • Gather and review tax documents
  • Prepare returns in tax software
  • Identify deductions and credits
  • Check returns for accuracy
  • File returns electronically
  • Explain results and answer tax questions
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of individual income tax rules and tax software
  • Attention to detail and client communication
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • IRS PTIN
  • IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)
  • Enrolled Agent (EA)
  • Experience with professional tax software

Skills

  • Deductions and credits
  • Small business returns
  • Document review
  • E-filing
  • Trustworthiness
  • Time management

Work environment and schedule

Tax preparers work in tax offices, accounting firms, retail kiosks and from home. The work is computer-based and very busy from January through April. Many work long hours during tax season, including evenings and weekends, and part-time or not at all in the off-season.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a tax preparer job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Tax Preparer” is the clearest; alternates include Tax Professional, Income Tax Preparer, Seasonal Tax Associate.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a tax preparer so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Tax Preparer training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Tax Preparer hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing