Learning how to become a tax preparer in Maryland is more than just checking boxes with the IRS. It’s about paying attention to details and helping taxpayers and small businesses owners make sense of their taxes. The reward is a career that pays back in both income and impact.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it takes to get started, including the registration steps, timeline, costs, and exam prep tips. We’ll also break down your career outlook and explain the special steps specific to Maryland. That way, you know exactly what to expect and how to move forward.
Key Points
- To legally prepare taxes in Maryland, you must hold an IRS preparer tax identification number (PTIN) and register with the state Board of Individual Tax Preparers.
- To qualify for registration, an applicant must be an individual of good character and reputation, at least 18 years old, and possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Registration requires either passing the Maryland competency exam, meeting the work experience requirement, or showing proof that you passed the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) exam between January 1, 2010, and January 18, 2013.
- The registration process can take 1 to 3 months. You can get a PTIN immediately online, but the exam and state registration processing extend the timeline.
- To get started in tax prep, expect to spend about $200 to $400 annually for your PTIN, state registration, exams, and continuing education (CE).
- You can work seasonally or year-round, freelance or through firms and platforms like TurboTax Live.
Registering as a Tax Preparer in Maryland
As in all states, you’ll need a valid PTIN from the IRS to get started. Anyone paid to prepare returns must have one, and the application can be completed online in minutes. The IRS provides a checklist to make sure you have the right documents and fee ready.
Where Maryland differs from many other states is that it requires tax preparers to register with the state Board of Individual Tax Preparers before legally assisting clients. There are 3 ways to qualify:
- Pass the state’s tax preparer competency exam with a score of 70% or above
- Receive a waiver by completing an average of at least 50 tax returns over the last 15 years, and completing at least 8 hours of continuing education for the last 3 years
- Show proof you passed the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer exam between January 1, 2010, and January 18, 2013
Note: Certain licensed professionals, specifically Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), and attorneys, may be exempt from Maryland exam and registration requirements.
From there, you’ll submit your application to the state board along with your registration fee. If approved, you’ll receive a 2-year license to prepare taxes in Maryland. To keep it active, you must complete at least 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years and renew your PTIN annually.
If your registration is denied using either of the last 2 options, Maryland will require you to reapply by taking the state exam.
How to Prepare for the Exam
Maryland’s tax preparer competency exam covers both federal tax law and Maryland-specific regulations. The state recommends reviewing IRS Publication 17, Federal Form 1040 with its instructions, and Maryland Form 502 with instructions.
Many candidates use structured prep courses, online courses, or local colleges to cover tax law basics, filing requirements, and ethics.
Examples include Platinum Professional Services’ online Maryland course or local community college programs at Montgomery and Hagerstown. Practice exams (like this one) can also build familiarity with the question style.
The exam itself is administered by PSI, a national testing provider. You can schedule it online or by calling PSI’s candidate service center. Exams are offered at multiple testing centers in Maryland. You can retake the test if needed, but each attempt requires a new fee.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Tax Preparer in Maryland
Becoming a certified tax preparer in Maryland is a relatively quick process, usually taking about 1 to 3 months. Here’s how the timeline breaks down:
- IRS PTIN: Apply online in about 15 minutes online and get your number immediately.
- Exam (if required): If you’re taking the Maryland competency exam, plan for a few weeks of study time, plus scheduling your test date. Results are available shortly after testing. If you qualify for a waiver, you can skip this step and move straight to registration.
- State registration: Once you submit your application to the Maryland Board of Individual Tax Preparers, processing typically takes several weeks.
Costs to Budget For
Starting out as a tax preparer in Maryland comes with a few upfront and ongoing expenses.
- IRS PTIN: $19.75 to apply or renew each year.
- State registration: For Maryland registration, expect to pay $100 for your initial application with the Board of Individual Tax Preparers. If you need to take the state competency exam, there’s an additional $78 fee for each attempt. Those who qualify for a waiver can skip this cost.
- Ongoing education: You’ll also want to consider continuing education to stay current and keep your registration valid. Prices for these courses can vary depending on the provider.
Overall, budgeting a few hundred dollars each year is realistic.
Career Outlook for Tax Preparers in Maryland
Tax preparation offers strong career potential in Maryland. Many preparers work seasonally during tax season, while others turn it into a steady year-round income by offering bookkeeping, payroll, or financial planning services.
You’ll also find opportunities with accounting firms, franchise tax companies, or as an independent professional building your own client base. Maryland tax preparer salaries range from $34,720 to $95,850, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Remote work has opened even more doors. Many tax preparers now serve clients virtually, meaning you can work from anywhere. Companies like Intuit hire credentialed tax experts and associates to support customers through platforms like TurboTax Live. These roles often provide a flexible career path that lets you focus on helping clients rather than running a business.
For those interested in long-term growth, becoming a tax preparer can be a steppingstone to higher credentials. Some professionals go on to pursue the enrolled agent (EA) certification (a federal license to represent taxpayers before the IRS) or become certified public accountants (CPAs).
FAQs
Can tax preparers prepare tax returns in multiple states?
Yes. With a valid IRS PTIN, you can prepare federal tax returns for clients nationwide and state returns across multiple states. Just remember that each state has its own rules. In Maryland, you must also hold state registration, but this doesn’t limit you from serving clients outside the state once you meet federal requirements.
Is tax preparation work seasonal or year-round?
Most tax preparers see their busiest months from January through April. However, many expand into year-round work by offering bookkeeping, payroll support, or financial planning. Others specialize in amended returns or tax planning for small businesses, which creates opportunities to earn a steady income even after tax season ends.
How much can I expect to earn as a tax preparer?
Income varies based on experience, credentials, and whether you work independently or with a company. Tax preparers in the 10th percentile of earners in Maryland make $34,720 per year, according to the BLS. Preparers in the 90th percentile make $95,850, with the potential for more if you hold EA or CPA designations.
Are there continuing education requirements for tax preparers?
Yes. Maryland requires registered tax preparers to complete 16 hours of continuing professional education every 2 years. At least 4 of those hours must cover Maryland-specific tax topics, and up to 2 of those hours may come from ethics courses. The rest can be federal tax law or related topics. These requirements keep your license active and ensure you’re giving clients accurate, compliant service every year.
Can you work from home as a tax preparer?
Absolutely. Many tax preparers in Maryland work remotely, serving clients through secure digital platforms. Companies like Intuit offer opportunities for credentialed professionals to support customers online, while independent preparers often build virtual practices. Remote work provides flexibility, reduces overhead, and makes serving clients across multiple locations easier.
Apply for Tax Preparer Roles with Intuit
Once you’ve become a tax preparer in Maryland, the next step is putting your skills to work. Intuit offers flexible opportunities for both new and experienced tax professionals through TurboTax Live. You’ll get the training, technology, and customer base you need to succeed without having to build a practice from scratch.
Explore current tax preparer jobs at Intuit or apply now to start your journey toward a rewarding and flexible career helping people with their taxes.