Description
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Interests
- Conventional
- Enterprising
Work Values
- Relationships
- Independence
- Support
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Dependability
- Self-Control
- Cooperation
Tasks
- Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
- Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
- Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
- Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Processing Information
- Analyzing Data or Information
Detailed Work Activities
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Technology Skills
- Accounting software
- Tax preparation software
- Financial analysis software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
Skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified International Tax AnalystCertifying Organization
American Academy of Financial Management
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Accredited Tax PreparerCertifying Organization
Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation
Type
Core
Certificate name
Accredited Tax AdvisorCertifying Organization
Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Tax SpecialistCertifying Organization
Institute of Business & Finance
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Tax Planning CertificationCertifying Organization
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $NaN |
| Median (50%) | $NaN |
| High (90%) | $NaN |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–7 years), to senior level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $50,000 |
| Mid Level | $100,000 |
| Senior Level | $150,000 |
Employability
There are currently 103,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 108,200 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 4%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 4%
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), with ONET® being a registered trademark of USDOL/ETA. Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA; CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED); and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Career Resources
Search All Careers
Compare Careers
Income Outlook
Career Pathways
Career Clusters
Job Suite Home
CVs
Resumes
Cover Letters
Templates
Job Resources
Blog Articles
Podcast