💼 Business & Finance ↑ 4% growth · Average

Tax Preparer / Enrolled Agent

Tax preparers help individuals and businesses file accurate tax returns and minimize their tax burden — a service that's needed every year without fail. Enrolled Agents (EAs) are federally licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS, commanding higher fees and year-round client work.

$47,970 Median Salary

133K US Jobs

1 month–4 years Training

$200–$30,000 Typical Cost

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💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Seasonal tax preparers at national chains earn $15–$25 per hour during tax season. Experienced independent tax preparers with an established client book earn $40,000–$80,000 for a 4–5 month season. Enrolled Agents (EA) providing year-round tax preparation and IRS representation earn $60,000–$100,000. CPAs specializing in tax practice earn $80,000–$150,000. Self-employed tax preparers who build independent practices earn based on volume and per-return fees — a solo tax preparer handling 400 returns at $300 average earns $120,000 in a four-month season.

Entry Level

$30,000

Median

$47,970

Experienced

$75,000

Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

Projected Growth (10yr)

Average

133K

Total US Jobs

Active positions nationwide

IRS PTIN + Enrolled Agent

Required Credential

IRS PTIN + Enrolled Agent (EA) or CPA

Tax preparers prepare individual and small business income tax returns, calculate tax liability, identify allowable deductions and credits, and advise clients on tax planning strategies. The BLS projects stable employment for tax preparers. The tax preparation market includes national chains (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt), independent CPA firms, enrolled agent practices, and solo tax preparers. The IRS Annual Filing Season Program and EA (Enrolled Agent) credential support professional advancement. Tax preparer demand is highly seasonal — January through April 15 is peak season, with some year-round practices focused on business tax, extension returns, and tax planning.

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program

Tax Preparation Certificate or Accounting Degree

Program Length

1 month–4 years

Typical Tuition

$200–$30,000

Work Setting

Tax offices (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt), CPA firms, self-employed

Tax preparer requirements vary by state — some states require registration and minimum education hours, while federal law requires Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) registration with the IRS and completion of an annual tax law refresher. The AFSP (Annual Filing Season Program) from the IRS recognizes preparers who complete 18 hours of continuing education and the tax law exam annually. The EA (Enrolled Agent) credential from the IRS requires passing a three-part examination covering individual tax, business tax, and representation, and is the most respected credential for non-CPA tax professionals. Many tax preparers begin at H&R Block or similar chains that provide structured training programs before starting independent practices.

🏆 Credential Required: IRS PTIN + Enrolled Agent (EA) or CPA

☀️ Day in the Life

A Tax Preparer begins the busy season morning by reviewing the client appointment list — 8 appointments are scheduled between 9 AM and 5 PM, ranging from a W-2 wage earner to a sole proprietor with Schedule C income to a rental property owner with multiple 1099s. The first client brings a folder of documents — W-2s, 1099-INT, 1098 mortgage interest statement, and charitable contribution receipts. The preparer enters each item systematically into the tax software, asks about qualified education expenses, HSA contributions, and home office use. For the self-employed client, they organize the gross receipts and allowable business expenses, calculate the QBI deduction, and review the quarterly estimated tax payment history to reconcile with the Schedule SE self-employment tax liability. When a client's return results in an unexpected balance due, the preparer walks through the calculation, explains the under-withholding, and sets up an IRS payment plan.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Pros

Seasonal income model allows lifestyle flexibility: A highly successful tax season practice earns substantial income in 4–5 months — providing months of personal freedom for those who structure their practice effectively.
Entrepreneurial independent practice with minimal overhead: A laptop, professional tax software, and an EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) is all the infrastructure needed for an independent tax practice.
Enrolled Agent credential provides IRS representation authority: EAs can represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, appeals, and collection matters — a significant professional authority beyond tax return preparation.
Strong client retention through annual relationship building: Tax clients return year after year — a well-served 400-client book provides reliable annual revenue with minimal new client acquisition cost.
Tax knowledge has broad personal financial applications: Tax expertise is directly applicable to personal wealth building — tax preparers' knowledge of deductions, retirement accounts, and business structures benefits their own financial planning.

Cons

Extreme seasonality creates income concentration in 4 months: The Jan–April 15 tax season is the majority of annual income — financial planning must account for months without tax preparation revenue.
High-stress, high-volume season with long hours: Tax season involves long days, weekend work, and intense client volume — the compressed timeline creates significant seasonal stress.
Continuous tax law changes require constant learning: Federal and state tax law changes annually — staying current with new credits, deduction limits, and form changes requires ongoing education investment.
Client errors and fraud exposure create liability risk: Tax preparers who sign returns bear professional responsibility for the accuracy of reported information — client-provided incorrect information or fraudulent documentation creates legal exposure.

🗺️ Tax Preparer / Enrolled Agent by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

📍 Madera, CA

Certificate 1-<2yr

How to compare these options

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