Thinking about a tax preparer job with Intuit? You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to work on our team by answering the top 10 questions we hear from candidates like you.
Key points
- Intuit offers competitive pay for tax preparers, including overtime, performance bonuses, and extra compensation for multilingual professionals, with rates varying by location.
- Comprehensive employee benefits at Intuit include a generous 401K match, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, paid sick time, free tax preparation software for yourself and discounts for friends and family, and more.
- Intuit provides all necessary training and equipment at no cost, ensuring you’re fully prepared to assist TurboTax customers confidently.
- Career growth support is available, such as the Enrolled Agent (EA) Credential Assistance Program, which covers costs, materials, and mentorship.
- Intuit offers flexible work options, with opportunities for both remote and in-person tax preparer roles in various locations.
1. What experience and credentials are required?
There are typically six primary positions available:
- Tax Expert (In-person and remote)
- Tax Associate (In-person and remote)
- Business Tax Expert
- Business Tax Associate
While each role has unique requirements, all roles generally require:
- 2+ years of professional tax preparation experience (more for business or lead roles)
- Active PTIN (U.S.) or CRA RepID (Canada)
- Minimum 20 hours/week commitment during tax season
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Experience using professional tax software
Having prior experience in tax preparation—whether in a tax practice or retail setting—is a definite advantage. If you also have experience with bookkeeping for small businesses, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay informed about the latest bookkeeping opportunities as they become available.
Intuit also has unique opportunities for anyone who might be multilingual. We’re always looking for remote tax preparers with bilingual Spanish proficiency in the U.S. or French in Canada.
2. How much does Intuit pay tax preparers?
Our Intuit tax associates are paid hourly and are eligible for both overtime and a performance-based bonus. We offer competitive rates based on the state where you live. If you are multilingual, we offer a language differential.
The rate and other compensation you receive will be based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and work location (for our remote team members).
3. What benefits do tax preparers get?
You can work remotely, earn extra income, and choose from work schedules that work best for you. Depending on minimum hours worked, you may also have access to competitive employee benefits like:
- 401K savings plan with Intuit matching: Intuit matches $1.25 for every $1 you contribute, up to 6% of your income. Contributions will max out at $10,000 per year, and your contributions and Intuit’s match are always 100% vested.
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Employees can purchase shares of Intuit stock at a minimum discount of 15%. Seasonal employees must be employed during an enrollment period and purchase date to participate in the program.
- Mental Health Support/Employee Assistance Program: Employees and their household members each receive 12 counseling and 12 coaching sessions per year at no cost.
- Paid sick leave: You can accrue paid sick time throughout the year, and any unused time rolls over to the next year.
- Backup care: Employees can receive caregiver support, including back-up care, discounted child care, and in-home care.
- Discounts: Employees can enjoy Intuit-exclusive discounts on a variety of products and services, including insurance for auto, home, and pets.
4. How many hours do tax preparers work, and what is the tax season schedule?
To ensure you’re in the rhythm of using our tools and taking calls, we require you to work a minimum of 20 hours a week. However, during the peaks in January and April, we need even more help, so you may have the option to work additional hours at those times.
We have three peaks during the year for tax preparation:
- First peak is when tax filing opens at the end of January.
- Second is in April around the tax filing deadline.
- Third is in October for those who take tax extensions.
The typical working season is from early January to the end of April. Returning experts often have some choice about when they start work. Start dates may be available as early as December.
5. What training and equipment does Intuit provide?
Your paid training period starts on your first day of employment and takes about 10 to 17 days to complete depending on tenure and other factors . This includes two full weekends, when TurboTax customers frequently work on their returns. There are both self-led and live remote sessions. After the training period, you will get to jump into the role and work directly with customers.
On your start date, you’ll receive a shipment with everything you’ll need:
- A dedicated laptop with all the required software installed
- A headset for communicating with customers
- A webcam
- A coffee mug, of course!
There’s no cost to you to obtain or use any of Intuit’s equipment. We provide it all as part of your employment. You can contact Intuit support if you need help getting any of it up and running. You must return any equipment if you decide to leave Intuit.
6. Can Intuit help me earn my Enrolled Agent (EA) credential?
We’d love to support you in your career. Earning your EA credential opens the doors at TurboTax Live for promotional opportunities to a credentialed Tax Expert or equivalent role.
If you’re hired as a Tax Associate, you can participate in our Intuit EA Credential Assistance Program. Intuit covers the cost of the program and provides the study materials from Fast Forward Academy, as well as a mentor to help you with questions. The EA program is an optional benefit for your personal development.
7. What if a customer asks a question I don’t know the answer to?
Don’t worry. Help is never more than a keystroke away. Within the TurboTax Live team, we use a messaging platform where you can type in your questions while talking to a customer. Your lead, your manager, and the TurboTax Live expert network are there to provide answers.
We also have Aid and Assist channels where you can get resources and even have someone look over your shoulder at the customer’s return in real time when necessary.
Given the wide range of customers and tax situations you’ll encounter, we don’t expect any one person to have all the answers. Many of our experts say that learning new things is the best part of the job!
8. Are tax preparer jobs remote or in person?
Intuit offers both remote and in-person tax positions throughout the US.
9. Are tax preparer jobs seasonal or year-round?
The TurboTax Live team offers both year-round and seasonal tax preparer jobs. Intuit also offers other expert roles, such as Bookkeepers for QuickBooks Live. Join our Talent Community to be the first to know when jobs become available.
Certain roles may require at least 20 hours of work, with schedules increasing during peak tax seasons. It’s important to check the specific requirements of the role you’re applying for.
10. How do I apply for a tax preparer job at Intuit?
If you’re ready for the next step, you can review and apply to current openings.
You’ll fill out a short form with your information, and we’ll match you with the best remote or in-person we have available for your location and skillset.
After you get started, know we also want to help your professional development. You can go from part-time tax preparer or bookkeeper to a full-time accounting career through initiatives like our EA designation program and other additional training. If you’re interested but not ready to apply, that’s okay. You can join our Talent Community to stay in touch. The community allows you to keep tabs on what’s happening within Intuit and apply for a role whenever you’re ready.