Starting a meaningful tax prep career in North Carolina is more attainable than you might think. You just need the right guidance and training. The career path is straightforward, whether you want to work from home, open your own business, or join a national network like Intuit.
This guide breaks down what it takes to get started: how to register, where to get trained, what it’ll cost, and how much you can earn. If you’re detail-driven and love numbers, this could be the career move that fits your future.
Key Points
- You must register for an IRS-issued preparer tax identification number (PTIN) to legally prepare taxes in North Carolina. No state registration or licensure is required.
- Most tax preparers in NC start seasonally, but year-round work is available through small business support, tax planning, and remote roles.
- Startup costs include the $19.75 PTIN fee, training costs, and optional expenses for software or certification exams.
- Training programs range from free to hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the provider, format, and certification level.
- According to the NC Department of Commerce, annual earnings for North Carolina tax preparers range from $29,900 to $80,510.
Licensing Basics for North Carolina Tax Preparers
Before you can file a single return for someone else, there’s one thing you’ll need: a PTIN from the IRS. It costs $19.75 to apply, takes only a few minutes online, and is required by federal law if you’re preparing tax returns for compensation.
Becoming a tax preparer in North Carolina doesn’t require a state-specific license for tax preparers, making it easier to get started here than in many other states. You don’t need to be a CPA, have a college degree, or pass a state exam to begin doing individual tax returns.
That said, if you plan to represent clients in front of the IRS or expand into more advanced services, you may want to pursue additional credentials, like becoming an enrolled agent (EA) or a certified public accountant (CPA).
Training Paths and Certification Options
Although North Carolina doesn’t mandate formal certification to prepare taxes, the right training can open doors to better jobs and more clients. Many aspiring tax pros start with community college courses or local training programs. Some colleges offer short-term certificates in tax prep or accounting that can be completed in under a year.
Online options are plentiful, too. For example, the Chartered Tax Professional (CTP) program through North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is one of several programs nationally that lead to the CTP credential. The CTP is widely recognized as a strong core credential, giving you a solid grounding in individual and small business tax preparation. Other providers, like the CPA Training Center, also offer the CTP designation online.
You can also find on-demand courses through programs like the IRS Link & Learn Taxes program Intuit Academy.
If you’re thinking long term, more advanced certification could set you apart. Completing the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) or becoming an enrolled agent can boost your credibility and let you offer expanded services.
With Intuit, you can strengthen your place along the tax preparer career path through training, remote work options, and resources to help you expand your practice.
Work Environment: Seasonal or Year-Round?
Most people think of tax prep as a once-a-year hustle. And while demand indeed spikes between January and April, that’s not the whole story.
Many tax preparers work year-round, helping small businesses with quarterly filings, supporting individuals with tax planning, or assisting with amendments and IRS notices. Others volunteer or contract with programs like the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which runs well beyond tax season.
If you’re looking for flexibility, this field delivers. Some preparers treat it as a seasonal side gig. Others turn it into a full-time career by offering other services like bookkeeping or small business consulting.
And thanks to remote work options, you don’t need a storefront to stay busy after April. Platforms like Intuit TurboTax Live make it possible to work from home year-round with clients nationwide.
Cost Considerations for Aspiring North Carolina Preparers
Starting as a tax preparer in North Carolina is relatively affordable, especially compared to other professional careers.
Here are the costs you can expect:
- PTIN registration with the IRS is $19.75 and must be renewed annually.
- Training programs vary in price. Free options exist through the IRS, local nonprofits, and Intuit Academy. But more comprehensive courses (like NCCU’s Chartered Tax Professional program) can top $2,000.
- If you opt for an advanced certification, like EA or CPA, you’ll take on extra expenses between exam prep materials and testing fees. For example, the EA application is $140, while CPA exam costs can total $2,000.
- You might also want to invest in professional tax software like TurboTax. Many offer entry-level pricing or free trials for new preparers.
While upfront costs can add up, preparers can often recoup that investment quickly from the work they do during peak season or by landing steady clients.
Please note that you may have continuing education costs after your first year.
Career Pathways and Earning Potential
In North Carolina, tax preparers can choose from a few different career paths: solo, remote, or firm-based. Firm-based preparers get their start working for national tax prep companies. Others build their own client base, offering services from home or as part of a local accounting team.
Remote opportunities are also on the rise. Platforms like Intuit TurboTax Live make it possible to prepare returns from home and serve clients nationwide, giving you flexibility and reach beyond your local area.
When you become a tax preparer in North Carolina, your earnings may vary depending on your experience and the complexity of the returns you handle. According to recent data, tax preparers in North Carolina make anywhere from $29,900 to $80,510 per year, with seasoned pros or credentialed experts (like enrolled agents) earning even more.
Some tax pros expand their services to include bookkeeping, payroll, or business consulting. If you’re set on making this a long-term career, you might consider learning how to become a CPA in North Carolina to step up your tax game.
FAQs
Can tax preparers prepare tax returns in multiple states?
Yes. If you’re registered with the IRS, you can legally prepare federal returns for clients nationwide. You can also prepare state returns, though a few states—such as New York and California—require additional registration. Many preparers use software that automatically handles multi-state requirements, especially when working with clients who move or earn income across state lines.
Is tax preparation work seasonal or year-round?
Tax season (January–April) is the busiest time of year, but many tax preparers work year-round. Clients may need help with extensions, audits, amended returns, quarterly taxes, or general tax planning, keeping experienced preparers in demand beyond April 15.
How much can I expect to earn as a tax preparer?
In North Carolina, entry-level preparers earn around $29,900, while experienced or certified pros can make up to $80,510—and potentially more if they pursue other certifications. Earnings vary based on workload, credentials, and whether you work independently or for a larger firm.
Are there continuing education requirements for tax preparers?
While North Carolina doesn’t require state-specific continuing education, many preparers voluntarily complete courses to stay current. If you participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program or become an enrolled agent, continuing education is required.
Can you work from home as a tax preparer?
Yes. Many preparers run virtual practices using secure software, while others work remotely for national companies like Intuit. With the right setup, you can build a full-time or seasonal career from your home office.
Explore Tax Preparer Roles at Intuit
If you’re ready to turn your skills into a flexible career, Intuit is actively hiring tax preparers in North Carolina. Remote opportunities are available in cities like Charlotte and Greensboro.
As a TurboTax Live expert, you’ll help people file with confidence while working from home on a schedule that fits your life. You’ll also get access to exclusive tools, real-time support, and training that helps you grow in your role.
Explore open positions and apply now to take the next step toward your future in tax prep.