Tax Preparer

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Interview clients to gather financial information.
• Update professional knowledge.
• Verify accuracy of records.
• Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.
• Examine financial records.
• Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
• Advise others on financial matters.
• Develop financial plans for clients.
• Calculate tax information.

Typical Working Conditions

• Having telephone conversations.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Sitting.
• Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
• Frequent decision-making.
• Dealing with external customers.
• Meeting strict deadlines.

Tools & Technology used by Tax Preparers

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Tax Preparers

• Reading—Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Speaking—Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Helping Others—Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Mathematics—Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Writing—Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Managing Time—Managing one’s own time and the time of others.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Tax Preparers

• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Computers and Electronics—Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Economics and Accounting—Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Clerical—Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Law and Government—Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Administration and Management—Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Production and Processing—Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• Enterprising—Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
There will be a need for about 1,596 new Tax Preparers to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career requires at least at least a high school degree, but many professionals have an Associates or Bachelors degree.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise