Career paths for tax preparers

A tax preparer is a financial professional whose primary duty is preparing tax returns for people and organizations. Tax preparers’ expertise and experience make them perfect partners for people who are trying to navigate filing their taxes. 

This guide can help you decide whether a tax preparer career is right for you. We’ll cover what tax preparers do, the step-by-step process to becoming one, and how you can turn tax prep into a fulfilling career. 

*Note: This content is relevant to tax preparation specifically in the US.

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Is a tax preparation job right for you?

Is the career path of a tax preparer right for you? It can be a daunting question. But we’ll guide you through every step of the decision-making process. 

In the guides that follow, we cover everything from starting your career to how to advance it with further education and certifications. In addition to the basics, we explore various accounting careers to give you an idea of what’s available in the field.

We also compare the nuances of bookkeeping and accounting, as many people are unaware of how different these roles are. Learn about each in detail to help you decide which is right for you and whether it makes sense to pursue formal education, like an accounting degree. 

So, read on and decide for yourself whether a tax prep job is a fit for you:

A guide to careers in accounting

What careers can you pursue with an accounting degree?

Bookkeeping vs. accounting: Here’s how they differ

Becoming a CPA or tax preparer

For many people, the career path of a tax preparer is just the beginning of their journey. The next leg of that journey might involve becoming a bookkeeper or certified public accountant (CPA).

Becoming a CPA is a bit more challenging than becoming a bookkeeper, as it requires passing a licensing exam. We’ll outline the differences between these two positions and tell you what it takes to reach the height of CPA if that’s your goal.

Another option is to become an enrolled agent (EA). While similar to a CPA, there are distinct differences between these roles. Explore these resources and decide which path is best for your career:

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How to become a tax preparer (a comprehensive guide)

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How to become a CPA: A comprehensive guide

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What is the CPA exam? A complete overview

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Enrolled agent (EA) vs. certified public accountant (CPA)

Location-specific guides

Different states have their own rules and regulations for becoming a tax preparer or CPA. It’s crucial to know these so you can take all the necessary steps to set off on your new career path as a tax professional:

State CPA guides

If you want to become a CPA in Texas, Florida, or California, check out these state-specific guides:

State tax preparer guides

If you want to become a tax preparer in Texas, Florida, or California, explore these state-specific guides:

Finding a CPA or tax preparation job

Ready to launch your career in tax preparation? This guide provides the resources you need to succeed, whether you’re aiming for a traditional job or want to start your own business.

Explore the different ways people seek employment in the field with these resources:

Best tax preparer classes for job seekers

The ultimate guide to CPA jobs: Everything you need to know

How to start a tax preparation business from home

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Tax preparer jobs at Intuit

If you decide to walk the career path for a tax preparer, Intuit is here to help with more than your education. People who pass our certification course can apply to our available openings. Our team members consistently receive the latest, most effective training, equipment to work from home, and a flexible schedule.

Joining the Intuit team means you’re part of an innovative company that leverages the latest technology to help power prosperity for our clients. To learn more about what to expect from your new role, browse the resources below:

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Get a job as a work-from-home tax preparer

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How to become a part-time tax preparer

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FAQs: Working as a remote tax preparer

Career advancement opportunities

Tax and bookkeeping career paths at Intuit

Tax preparers aren’t the only financial professionals we hire — we also have a variety of bookkeeping and tax jobs too. Because our career paths are flexible, you can move to a different position with the right certifications, credentials, and performance.

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Tax jobs

Tax Specialist

Tax Associate

Tax Expert

Tax Expert Lead

TurboTax Live Manager

Learn more
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Bookkeeping jobs

Associate Bookkeeper

Expert Bookkeeper

Sr. Expert Bookkeeper

QuickBooks Live Manager

Learn more
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Free education and training

Intuit Academy is a free training program that can help you level up your tax or bookkeeping career. By earning badges through the program, you not only enhance your credentials in the industry but also become qualified to apply for roles at Intuit—such as a TurboTax Live or QuickBooks Live associate.

Learn more

Intuit is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please talk with your recruiter or send a request to TalentAcquisition@intuit.com.


For more information, please read our EEO policy. Intuit encourages people with criminal record histories to apply for employment, and values diverse experiences, including prior contact with the criminal legal system. To that end, Intuit welcomes such applicants in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Act Ordinance, and other similar laws. Philadelphia applicants can review information pertaining to Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance here. Applicants for jobs in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County can review a copy of the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act Notice here.