Tax Return Preparer Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a Tax Return Preparer

Best Schools to become a Tax Return Preparer in U.S. 2024

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Broward College

Fort Lauderdale, FL

In-State Tuition:$1,968
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,402
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:30,057

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

New York, NY

In-State Tuition:$6,930
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,880
Admission Rate:50%
Graduation Rate:74%
Total Enrollment:19,854

Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

In-State Tuition:$4,487
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,777
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:31%
Total Enrollment:89,705

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891
Tax Return Preparer Job Description:
  • Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a Tax Return Preparer

Job Duties for Tax Return Preparers

  • Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.

  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.

  • Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.

Technologies and Skills Used by Tax Return Preparers

Accounting software

  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Tax software

Financial analysis software

  • Sungard Relius
  • Sync Essentials Trade Accountant

Tax preparation software

  • Intuit TurboTax
  • Petz Enterprises V-Tax

Basic Skills

  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • Reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a Tax Return Preparer

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Tax Return Preparer

FAQs About Becoming a Tax Return Preparer