Career overview

Tax Preparers

O*NET-SOC 13-2082.00

Median pay / yr$50,560
OutlookRapid Growth

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Tax Preparers.

Skills employers look for

  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active ListeningGiving 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.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.

Knowledge areas

  • Economics and AccountingKnowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge 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.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Law and GovernmentKnowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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