A tax preparer is a financial professional whose primary duty is preparing tax returns for people and organizations. Tax preparers’ expertise and experience make them perfect partners for people who are trying to navigate filing their taxes.
This guide can help you decide whether a tax preparer career is right for you. We’ll cover what tax preparers do, the step-by-step process to becoming one, and how you can turn tax prep into a fulfilling career.
*Note: This content is relevant to tax preparation specifically in the US.
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Is a tax preparation job right for you?
Is the career path of a tax preparer right for you? It can be a daunting question. But this guide will walk you through every step of the decision-making process.
In the guides that follow, everything is covered from starting your career to how to advance it with further education and certifications. In addition to the basics, it will explore various accounting careers to give you an idea of what’s available in the field.
It also compares the nuances of bookkeeping and accounting, as many people are unaware of how different these roles are. Learn about each in detail to help you decide which is right for you and whether it makes sense to pursue formal education, like an accounting degree.
So, read on and decide for yourself whether a tax prep job is a fit for you. You can also review a guide to careers in accounting, learn what careers can you pursue with an accounting degree?, or learn the differences between bookkeeping and accounting.
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Becoming a CPA or tax preparer
For many people, the career path of a tax preparer is just the beginning of their journey. The next leg of that journey might involve becoming a bookkeeper or certified public accountant (CPA).
Becoming a CPA is a bit more challenging than becoming a bookkeeper, as it requires passing a licensing exam. We’ll outline the differences between these two positions and tell you what it takes to reach the height of CPA if that’s your goal.
Another option is to become an enrolled agent (EA). While similar to a CPA, there are distinct differences between these roles.
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Location-specific guides
Different states have their own rules and regulations for becoming a tax preparer or CPA. It’s crucial to know these so you can take all the necessary steps to begin your new career path as a tax professional.
State CPA guides
Check out these guides If you want to become a CPA in Texas, Florida, or California, check out these state-specific guides.
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State tax preparer guides
If you want to become a tax preparer in Texas, Florida, or California, explore these state-specific guides.
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Finding a CPA or tax preparation job
Ready to launch your career in tax preparation? This guide provides the resources you need to succeed, whether you’re aiming for a traditional job or want to start your own business.
Explore the different ways people seek employment in the field with these resources:
- Best tax preparer classes for job seekers
- The ultimate guide to CPA jobs: Everything you need to know
- How to start a tax preparation business from home
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Tax preparer jobs
If you decide to walk the career path for a tax preparer, there are different certification courses that can help you qualify for other positions. Look for an innovative company that leverages the latest technology, facilitates access to the latest and most effective training, provides equipment to work from home, and allows a flexible schedule to help power prosperity for its clients.
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Tax and bookkeeping career paths
Tax preparers aren’t the only financial professionals. Within this field, there are also a variety of bookkeeping and tax jobs. Because career paths are flexible, you can move to a different position with the right certifications, credentials, and performance.
Tax job examples:
- Tax Specialist
- Tax Associate
- Tax Expert
- Tax Expert Lead
Related: What is the CPA Exam? A complete guide.
Related: Enrolled Agent vs. CPA: Understanding the Differences
This article originally appeared on Intuit.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
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