Occupation AtlasTax Preparers
O*NET · 13-2082.00
Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Also called Corporate Tax Preparer · CPA · CPA (Certified Public Accountant) · Credentialed Tax Expert · Credentialed Tax Professional · Enrolled Agent · Income Tax Advisor · Income Tax Consultant
16 more
Income Tax Expert · Income Tax Preparer · Licensed Tax Consultant · Preseason Tax Professional · SALT Associate · State and Local Tax Associate (SALT Associate) · Tax Accountant · Tax Advisor · Tax Associate · Tax Consultant · Tax Evaluator · Tax Expert · Tax Preparer · Tax Preparer Assistant · Tax Professional · Tax Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CEIConventional · Enterprising · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.79
- E Enterprising3.38
- I Investigative2.38
- S Social2.26
- R Realistic2.17
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (29%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (24%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (38%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Time ManagementImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- WritingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- InstructingImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- PersuasionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- NegotiationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.Importance 4.8
- Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.Importance 4.7
- Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.Importance 4.6
- Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.Importance 4.6
- Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.Importance 4.5
- Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.Importance 4.5
- Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.Importance 4.4
- Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.Importance 4.2
- Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.Importance 4.2
- Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.Importance 4.2
- Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.Importance 4.1
- Schedule appointments with clients.Importance 3.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.7Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- MathematicsImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- AdministrativeImportance 3.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
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- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.9
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.1Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.8Level 3.9
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Number FacilityImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
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- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- OriginalityImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Far VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Time SharingImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 5.7
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Processing InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.3Level 2.8
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
41 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Intuit TurboTaxhot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Tax compliance property tax management software
- Tax software
Hot (4; 3 more marked hot above)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (32)
- ACI TaskTracker
- ATX Total Accounting Office
- ATX Total Tax Office
- CCH ProSystem fx TAX
- Creative Solutions CPA Depreciation
- Creative Solutions UltraTax CS
- Datagroup ElectroFile 1040
- Datagroup ElectroFile ELF
- Datagroup ElectroFile ST
- Datair Employee Benefits Systems
- Electronic ToolKit for Tax Preparers
- Email software
- ExacTax PackageEX
- Greatland Corporation Winfiler
- GreatTax
- Intellitax financial solutions software
- Intuit ProSeries
- Kleinrock Publishing
- LaCerte 1040 Tax Analyzer
- Laserfiche Avante
- M8 Client Billing
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Petz Enterprises V-Tax
- Quicken
- Sage 50 Accounting
- Sales Tax Tools Sales Tax Researcher
- ScheduleVIEW
- Sungard Relius
- Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
- Thomson GoSystem MyTaxInfo
- Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS
- Universal Tax Systems TaxWise
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +0.6, Active Learning −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +1.0, Instructing −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.9, Instructing −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring +0.8, Persuasion −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Medical Records Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources +0.8, Operations Monitoring +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.9, Operations Monitoring +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.9, Operations Monitoring +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Brokerage Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Monitoring +0.8, Speaking +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.