The tax preparation industry is booming, with over 80,000 new jobs projected by 2032 and seasonal positions paying $15-$50/hour. After completing your tax course, you're now qualified for opportunities ranging from part-time seasonal work to full-time careers with advancement potential. This guide reveals the best places to find jobs, how to stand out, and insider strategies to maximize your earnings.
Top 5 Places to Find Tax Preparer Jobs in 2025 🏆
1. National Tax Preparation Chains 🏢
Hiring 50,000+ seasonal workers annually
| Company | Avg. Pay | Perks | Hiring Timeline |
|------------|------------|----------|-------------------|
| H&R Block | $18-$35/hr | Free EA prep 🎓 | Sept-Jan 📅 |
| Jackson Hewitt | $17-$32/hr | Bonus incentives 💰 | Aug-Feb 📅 |
| Liberty Tax | $16-$30/hr | Franchise opportunities 🏪 | Year-round 🔄 |
| TurboTax Live | $22-$45/hr | Remote work possible 🏠 | Oct-Apr 📅 |
"I got hired at H&R Block before finishing my course—they trained me on advanced returns!" 📚
2. Accounting & CPA Firms 💼
Best for career growth
- Small local firms: Often hire seasonal help
- Regional chains: Need 1040 specialists
- Big 4 satellite offices: Tax associate roles
🔹 Pro Tip: Call firms in August when they plan staffing needs ☎️
3. Freelance Platforms & Gig Work 💻
| Platform | Avg. Pay | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Upwork | $25-$75/hr | Portfolio + PTIN |
| Fiverr | $30-$100/return | Client reviews |
| Craigslist | $150-$500/week | Local advertising |
"I make $8k/month preparing crypto returns remotely!" ₿
4. Government & Nonprofit Programs 🏛️
- IRS VITA: Volunteer → paid coordinator roles
- AARP Tax-Aide: Help seniors (great experience)
- State revenue departments: Seasonal auditors
5. Self-Employment 🚀
1 in 4 preparers work independently
Startup costs:
- $19.75 (PTIN) + $140 (EFIN) + $500 (software)
First-year potential: $25k-$80k
Job Search Timeline 📅
| Month | Action Items |
|---|---|
| Aug-Sept | Apply to chains (early hiring bonuses) |
| Oct-Nov | Pitch local accountants (extension season) |
| Dec-Jan | Last-minute seasonal hires |
| Feb-Apr | Tax resolution firms ramp up |
| May-Jul | Off-season bookkeeping crossover |
🔹 Smart move: Get hired in tax season → transition to year-round bookkeeping 📊
5 Ways to Stand Out in Applications ✨
- Highlight course completion
- "Certified in 1040 & Schedule C preparation"
- Show software proficiency
- TurboTax • Drake • ProSeries • TaxSlayer
- Lead with specialties
- Crypto • Rental properties • Small business
- Get quick credentials
- IRS AFSP • QuickBooks ProAdvisor
- Share client success
- "Identified $2,800 in overlooked deductions"
"My 'Crypto Tax Specialist' LinkedIn headline got me 3 job offers!" 💎
Salary Negotiation Tips 💰
| Experience Level | Fair Rate |
|---|---|
| First Season | $15-$25/hr |
| 2+ Years | $25-$40/hr |
| EA Credentialed | $45-$75/hr |
| Niche Specialist | $100-$250/return |
Negotiation Script:
"Given my [certification] and [specialty], could we discuss $28/hour? The industry average is $25-$35 for this role."
Red Flags to Avoid 🚩
❌ "Pay per return" only (risk slow periods)
❌ No training provided
❌ Requests to sign questionable returns
"A firm offered 50% commission—turned out they filed fraudulent EITC claims!" ⚠️
Year-Round Opportunities 🔄
Transition into:
- Tax resolution (IRS negotiations)
- Bookkeeping (QuickBooks certification helps)
- Payroll services
- Financial coaching
"I now earn $120k working 9 months/year combining taxes + bookkeeping!" 📈
Next Steps Checklist ✔️
- Polish LinkedIn/profile with tax keywords
- Apply to 10+ positions this week
- Join NATP for job board access
- Get EFIN for independent work
- Plan 2025 continuing education
Pro Tip: Many tax software companies (Intuit, Drake) have hidden job boards for certified users!
The perfect tax job is waiting—your training has already put you ahead of 60% of applicants. Now go claim your spot! 🚀
