We surveyed 2,194 tax preparers to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical tax preparer. Here are the results.
Can I learn to become a tax preparer?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a tax preparer typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a tax preparer?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a tax preparer. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for tax preparers.
Do tax preparers work full-time or part-time?
59% of tax preparers work in full-time roles while 41% work part-time.
Is being a tax preparer stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst tax preparers, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a tax preparer?
Low
High
Some level of organization is generally required to be a tax preparer.
How competitive is the workplace for tax preparers?
Low
High
Tax preparers see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a tax preparer require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Tax preparers will see frequent time pressure on the job, likely contributing to an occasionally stressful work environment.
Are tax preparers allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Tax preparers rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do tax preparers have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
Tax preparers tend to have a set and inflexible work schedule that they are unable to deviate from too much.
Is being a tax preparer physically demanding?
Low
High
Work as a tax preparer is rarely physically demanding, making it a suitable option for those unable to perform physically strenuous tasks.
Are tax preparers exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Tax preparers tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a tax preparer require attention to detail?
Low
High
As in many careers, attention to detail is quite helpful for tax preparers.
Does being a good tax preparer require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
The ability to be compassionate and empathetic isn't considered fundamental to success as a tax preparer.