Business & Finance
Tax Preparer
Tax preparers complete and file income tax returns for clients, often seasonally.
What They Do
Prepare federal and state income tax returns for individuals and small businesses. Much of the work is seasonal (roughly January through April), either for a tax firm or independently.
Why someone might consider this career
Training is short compared to most finance careers, the work can be seasonal, and experienced preparers often build independent client bases.
Work Environment
The Basics
Training time
Weeks to a few months
Training cost
Information pending verification
Education commonly associated with entry
Information pending verification
Certification / licensing
Required: an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for anyone who prepares returns for compensation. Optional: IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) credential. Some states impose additional requirements — verify with your state tax agency.
Physical demand
Low
People interaction
Moderate
Remote potential
Moderate
Self-employment potential
High
Typical Training Path
- 1Learn tax fundamentals (income types, deductions, credits)
- 2Practice with professional tax software
- 3Obtain an IRS PTIN before preparing returns for compensation
- 4Check whether your state has additional requirements
- 5Gain experience with a tax firm or build your own client base
A common route — actual requirements vary by program, employer, and state.
Certification & licensing note: Required: an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) for anyone who prepares returns for compensation. Optional: IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) credential. Some states impose additional requirements — verify with your state tax agency.
A course certificate, a professional certification, and a state license are three different things — completing training alone never makes you licensed or certified.
Licensing & requirements in your state
Requirements for this career vary by jurisdiction. We never assume your location — pick your state to check.
Select your state to see requirements.
Training Programs
Intuit (QuickBooks)
QuickBooks Online Training & Certification
Bookkeeping and tax-prep support roles: QuickBooks software proficiency and optional ProAdvisor certification.
Duration
Pending verification
Price
Pending verification
Planning to work for yourself in this field? Build your business toolkit in Business & Software →
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
Does finishing a tax course let me prepare taxes professionally?
Not by itself. Anyone preparing (or assisting in preparing) federal returns for compensation generally needs an IRS PTIN, and some states add their own requirements. A course teaches the material — the credential comes from the IRS and your state.
Last verified: September 26, 2026
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Career requirements, licensing rules, education requirements, costs, and employment conditions can change. Verify official requirements with the appropriate licensing agency, credentialing body, employer, or educational institution. Lucky Finds does not guarantee admission, certification, licensure, employment, salary, or career outcomes.