Finance

How to become a Tax Preparer

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–9 months

Typical pay

$42k–$65k

Starting from

No experience

The route

1. 1

   2–4 months

   Learn individual tax

   Form 1040 and the common schedules cover most of the work.

   Course that covers thisHow to Become a Tax Preparer and Earn Big Part-TimeUdemy · around $29.99 →
2. 2

   Get a PTIN

   Required by the IRS before you can prepare returns for pay. It is quick.

   ◆ IRS PTIN

3. 3

   1 season

   Work a tax season

   The seasonal firms hire and train heavily in the autumn.

4. 4

   Consider the Enrolled Agent credential

   Three exams; it lets you represent clients before the IRS and works year-round.

   ◆ Enrolled Agent (IRS)

5. ✓

   Destination

   Tax Preparer

   Browse jobs now →

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