Also called: Tax Associate
Prepares tax returns and plans ways for people and businesses to pay less tax legally.
During tax season you prepare 10 returns a day, track down a client's missing forms and spot a credit they didn't know they qualified for.
Busy season (January-April) often means 60-hour weeks.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in accounting; CPA license common.
Ways in: 4-year college, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Accounting, Taxation.
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Tracks accountants.
Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. AI tax software now prepares and checks most returns; fewer junior preparers are needed, while planning and complex returns stay human.
Classes: Accounting, Personal finance, Computer applications, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 13-2011.
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