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

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

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 →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.