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How much do entry level tax preparer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level tax preparer in the United States is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.74 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level tax preparers typically do not earn $4,000 per week; however, experienced tax professionals or those working independently during peak seasons can reach high earnings. High-paying jobs without a degree often include sales, real estate, or skilled trades like plumbing or electrical work, which rely on experience and certifications rather than formal education.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level tax preparers during their first tax season?

Entry level tax preparers often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of clients, meeting tight deadlines, and learning to navigate complex tax software. Additionally, staying up to date with frequently changing tax laws and regulations can be demanding. However, many firms offer mentorship and comprehensive training, and working closely with more experienced preparers helps new hires build confidence and expertise quickly.

What is the difference between Entry Level Tax Preparer vs Tax Associate?

AspectEntry Level Tax PreparerTax Associate
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications optionalTypically requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
Work EnvironmentSeasonal, primarily in tax preparation firms or retail locationsYear-round, in accounting firms or corporate finance departments
Employer & Industry UsageTax preparation companies, retail chains, freelanceAccounting firms, corporate finance departments, CPA firms

While both roles involve tax-related tasks, Entry Level Tax Preparers focus on assisting with individual tax returns during tax season, often with minimal formal education. Tax Associates typically have a higher level of education and handle more complex tax work year-round within professional accounting environments.

Is becoming a tax preparer hard?

Becoming an entry-level tax preparer involves learning tax laws, using tax software, and obtaining a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). The role typically requires attention to detail and the ability to work under deadlines, but it is accessible with basic accounting or finance knowledge and often does not require extensive prior experience.

Are tax preparers still in demand?

Tax preparers, including entry-level tax preparers, are in steady demand due to annual tax season needs and ongoing tax law changes. The job often requires familiarity with tax software and certifications such as the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Employment opportunities tend to increase during tax season, but demand remains relatively stable year-round for those with relevant skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Tax Preparer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Tax Preparer, you need a solid grasp of basic tax laws, attention to detail, and relevant coursework or certification such as IRS VITA/TCE or tax preparation training. Familiarity with tax preparation software like Intuit ProConnect, Drake Tax, or H&R Block's proprietary systems is important. Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills help you accurately gather client information and explain tax concepts clearly. These skills ensure accurate tax filings, build client trust, and support compliance with regulatory standards.

What does an entry level tax preparer do?

An entry level tax preparer assists individuals and businesses in preparing and filing their tax returns. They gather financial information, review tax documents, and ensure that filings comply with federal and state regulations. Entry level tax preparers may also answer basic tax questions, input data into tax software, and help clients maximize their deductions and credits. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced tax professionals and receive on-the-job training.

How to become a tax preparer with no experience?

To become an entry-level tax preparer, you should complete a tax preparation course, which is often offered online or in person, and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS. Gaining familiarity with tax software and basic tax laws can improve your prospects, and some states or employers may require additional certification or training before hiring.
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Entry Level Tax Preparer jobs near you
Entry Level Tax Preparer

Entry Level Tax Preparer

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Jackson Hewitt rating

4.8

Company rating: 4.8 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

147th of 148 rated financial services

Job description

Your Purpose:
At Jackson Hewitt, we provide an invaluable service in guiding our clients through the tax codes, rules, and processes. We do this with integrity, quality, and consistency. This is something that the vast majority of taxpayers don't receive from DIY or other assisted providers. We take pride in that. The role you play is critical to our success and together we are "Working Hard for the Hardest Working Americans". This is our mission and it's a large part of why we work here. Together we are highly passionate about what we do, and how we can help our clients.
Doing taxes is much more than filling in some forms. For most Americans, their tax return is the biggest single financial event of the year, and it can be quite an emotional experience. That's where you come in! We are here to ease their stress and provide expert customer service and tax knowledge.
Flexible Schedules Available:
  • Day shift
  • Night shift
  • Weekends
  • Weekdays
  • Full-time or Part-time

Are you:
  • Looking to learn a new career and break into the tax industry?
  • Someone who has gaps in their work history or is looking to boost their skills and resume?
  • Someone who has been out of the workforce over the last year while at home with family?
  • New to the workforce or with limited experience/education, but a willingness to learn?
  • Retired and want to continue to make an impact?
  • Someone without a college diploma? No problem!
  • A Veteran or military personnel transitioning from the service?
  • Part of a military family that moves often with deployments?
  • A recent college graduate or current college student?
  • A stay-at-home parent who needs a flexible work schedule?
  • A gig worker or looking to add a second income?
  • Bilingual? Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply!

What you'll do here:
As a Seasonal Entry Level Tax Preparer, you will be responsible for providing guidance, explaining, preparing, and completing accurate tax-related forms for clients, including multiyear, multistate, year-end tax forms and providing clients with IRS audit support. Complete E-filing, provide printed copies of returns for clients to review, signing and e-file these forms to IRS and state agencies.
  • Conduct face-to-face tax interviews with clients.
  • Prepare complete and accurate tax returns.
  • Generate business growth, increase client retention, and offer additional products and services.
  • Provide clients with IRS audit support.
  • Complete all related tax forms in accordance with policies, and in compliance with legislation and regulations.
  • Collection and processing of clients' payments while ensuring timely deposits.
  • Marketing and business generation efforts.
  • Furnishes taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Answer client calls via our national call center routing system.
  • Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
  • Resolve client complaints or refer situations to the supervisor (as appropriate) for resolution.
  • Support office priorities through teamwork and collaboration.

Skills you'll bring for success:
  • Passion for providing extraordinary customer service.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Basic knowledge of computer functions and math.
  • Sales and/or marketing experience.
  • Experience in accounting, finance, retail, bookkeeping, or tax preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field a plus!
  • PTIN Certification: Yes

Working at Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is an innovator with nearly 6,000 locations, and we're on a mission to change the face of the tax industry. We are an industry-leading provider of full-service individual, federal, and state income tax preparation with offices across the country. Jackson Hewitt is always seeking to improve its financial products, promotions, and partnerships so clients get more.
Taxes are fun (really!)
Jackson Hewitt is proud to offer free tax training as well as continuing education for tax preparers across the country. With nearly 6,000 locations to choose from, there's likely a Jackson Hewitt location near you, including at your local Walmart store. Tax preparers have flexible scheduling and various rewards too.
PTIN Certification: Yes
By submitting this form, I hereby acknowledge that most Jackson Hewitt locations are operated by independent franchisees and not Jackson Hewitt or its affiliates. I further acknowledge that franchisees are independent employers and separate companies and employers from Jackson Hewitt Inc., and set their own employment policies and practices. Franchisees are the exclusive employer of their employees and as such are solely responsible for all employment-related matters and decisions in their locations. Specifically, with regard to employees of franchisees, such franchisees, and not Jackson Hewitt, will have exclusive control over all employment-related decisions, including decisions concerning hiring, firing, wages, conditions of employment, discipline, staffing, or any other day-to-day employment issue. Jackson Hewitt Inc. will have no obligation or right to control any franchise employment issue relating to employees of a Jackson Hewitt franchisee. By applying for a job at a franchise-operated location, I understand that the information I provide will be forwarded to the franchisee in order for that organization to reach out to me and process and evaluate my application. I acknowledge that Jackson Hewitt will not receive a copy of my employment application and will have no involvement in any employment decisions regarding me, including whether I receive an interview or whether I am hired to work for the franchisee. I understand that I need to contact the relevant franchisee for information about its privacy practices. Any communications opt-out that I submit in any franchisee's job application process is specific to that franchisee and will not be communicated to any other entity.

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