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Tax Preparers

Business and Financial Operations (13-2082)
Bright Outlook

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

At a Glance

Tax Preparers earns a median of $50,560/yr with +4.5% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Working with Computers, Getting Information, Microsoft Outlook.

Median Annual Wage

$50,560/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.5%

Annual Openings

10

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (3)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving 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.

3.9
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.5

Knowledge (6)

Economics and Accounting

Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

3.9
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.8
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge 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.

3.7
Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

3.6
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.6
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.5

Abilities (8)

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.0
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.9
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.8
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.3
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.3
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.3

Technology (9)

Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Intuit QuickBooks

Category: Accounting software | Hot Technology

4.5
Tax software

Category: Accounting software

4.0
Intuit TurboTax

Category: Tax preparation software

4.0
4.0

Work Activities (17)

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.7
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.6
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.5
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.2
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.2
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.0
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.9
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.9
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.9
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.8
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.6
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.4
Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

3.4
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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