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Federal Tax Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Ascend Partner Firms

Tax Associate

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

Tax Associate A Tax Associate plays a foundational role in the preparation of federal and state tax ... Prepare federal and state tax returns, including multistate filings, across a variety of entity ...

Ascend Partner Firms

Tax Associate

Kirkland, WA · Hybrid

$80K - $82K/yr

Tax Associate A Tax Associate plays a foundational role in the preparation of federal and state tax ... Prepare federal and state tax returns, including multistate filings, across a variety of entity ...

HireNow Staffing

Junior Tax Associate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$225K - $310K/yr

Junior Tax Associate Company: HireNow Staffing (Direct Placement Partner) HireNow Snapshot HireNow ... Conduct tax research involving federal, state, and local tax regulations. * Prepare tax returns ...

Carta

Associate, Tax Delivery

Seattle, WA · On-site

$79K - $93K/yr

As a Tax Associate, you'll work to: * Turning professional services into products is challenging ... Scan and file federal and state notices as received and maintain notice tracker. * Assist with ...

Carta

Associate, Tax Delivery

Seattle, WA · On-site

$79K - $93K/yr

As a Tax Associate, you'll work to: * Turning professional services into products is challenging ... Scan and file federal and state notices as received and maintain notice tracker. * Assist with ...

Carta

Senior Associate, Tax Delivery

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $106K/yr

The Team You'll Work With You'll be joining Carta's Tax team as a US Federal tax preparer and reviewer, leveraging Carta's proprietary tax engine to file tax returns for our clients. Your clients are ...

Carta

Senior Associate, Tax Delivery

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $106K/yr

The Team You'll Work With You'll be joining Carta's Tax team as a US Federal tax preparer and reviewer, leveraging Carta's proprietary tax engine to file tax returns for our clients. Your clients are ...

Intuit

Tax Associate - TurboTax Store

Kent, WA

$32.50 - $36/hr

Minimum of 3 years of paid experience filing 30 or more federal and state individual 1040 tax returns per tax season using professional tax preparation software. * Familiarity with Circular 230

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All JobsFederal Tax Associate JobsFederal Tax Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA

Federal Tax Associate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$34.1K

$79.1K

$116.1K

How much do federal tax associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal tax associate in Seattle, WA is $79,058.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal tax associate?

Federal Tax Associates are entry-level tax professionals who assist organizations and individuals with federal tax compliance, planning, and reporting. They typically work for accounting firms or corporate tax departments, preparing tax returns, researching tax laws, and supporting clients with IRS regulations. Their role often involves analyzing financial data, helping to minimize tax liabilities, and ensuring compliance with federal tax codes. Federal Tax Associates may also contribute to audit support and stay updated on changing tax legislation to provide accurate advice. This position is a common starting point for a career in tax accounting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal tax associate?

To thrive as a Federal Tax Associate, you need a solid understanding of tax law, accounting principles, and typically a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, often with progress toward a CPA certification. Familiarity with tax preparation software, research databases like CCH or RIA, and proficiency in Excel are commonly required technical skills. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing complex tax issues and client interactions. These abilities are essential to ensure accurate tax compliance, provide valuable insights to clients, and maintain regulatory standards in a dynamic tax environment.

What are some common challenges federal tax associates face in their first year, and how can they successfully navigate them?

Federal Tax Associates often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequent changes in tax laws, managing tight deadlines during tax season, and learning to interpret complex tax codes. Effective organization, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and proactively utilizing firm-provided training resources can help new associates overcome these hurdles. Collaborating closely with senior associates and managers is also key to developing technical skills and building confidence in client interactions.

What is the difference between Federal Tax Associate vs Tax Preparer?

AspectFederal Tax AssociateTax Preparer
Required CredentialsGenerally requires a degree in accounting, finance, or related field; certifications like PTIN or EA are commonOften requires a PTIN; certifications are optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentTypically in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, or government agenciesPrimarily in tax preparation services, retail locations, or freelance work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by accounting firms, corporations, and government agencies during tax seasonUsed by individual tax preparation services, retail chains, or self-employed professionals

While both roles involve tax-related tasks, a Federal Tax Associate usually works in more structured environments with formal credentials and handles complex tax issues, whereas a Tax Preparer often works independently or in retail settings focusing on basic tax filings.

How do I become a federal tax associate?

To become a federal tax associate, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of tax laws and proficiency with tax software; obtaining certifications like the Enrolled Agent or CPA can enhance job prospects. Entry-level positions often require internship experience or related coursework.

How much do federal tax associates make in the US?

Federal tax associates in the US typically earn an average salary ranging from $45,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Many roles also offer opportunities for bonuses and professional development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Tax jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Federal Tax jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Federal Tax Associate jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Federal Tax Associate jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Tax Associate jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Tax Associate jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Federal Tax Associate jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Federal Tax Associate job openings:

Federal Tax Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Tax Associate job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,058 per year, or $38 per hour.

Tax Associate

Ascend Partner Firms

Kirkland, WA • On-site

$80K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
About Sweeney Conrad
At Sweeney Conrad, our foundation of "people first" begins with our employees-because we know the success of our firm stems from the relationships within it. We consider our employees family and foster a positive work culture, encouraging a healthy balance between work and life; building a career over having a job; continuing education and skill development; and being actively involved in the Puget Sound community where we live, work, and play.
We're proud of our employees and our culture and have been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the "Best Accounting Firms to Work For" and by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of "Washington's Best Workplaces". For more information, visit www.sweeneyconrad.com.
About Ascend
Backed by private equity from people-focused Alpine Investors, Ascend is building a dynamic platform for regional accounting firms that enables them to stay independent while accessing the resources of a Top 25 firm to help them grow. Ascend provides access to growth capital, robust talent acquisition and training, leading quality management resources, best-of-breed technology, AI tools, an offshore captive, shared back-office services, a catalytic leadership system, and modernized equity incentives so that firms can surmount today's industry challenges to reach their full potential. For more information, visit www.ascendtogether.com.
Tax Associate
A Tax Associate plays a foundational role in the preparation of federal and state tax returns for a diverse portfolio of clients across professional services, technology, manufacturing and distribution, hospitality, and healthcare - ranging from pre-revenue startups to $80M in revenue - including individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and small family-owned and operating businesses. This position reports directly to the Partner of Tax and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with a hybrid work schedule.
Specific Duties Will Include
  • Prepare federal and state tax returns, including multistate filings, across a variety of entity types including individuals, corporations, partnerships, and trusts
  • Apply a basic understanding of balance sheets and profit and loss statements in the context of operating business returns
  • Conduct tax research under the direction of senior staff and managers
  • Support senior associates and managers in finalizing client engagements
  • Track engagement status and communicate progress to the team
  • Collaborate with staff across CAAS, audit, and advisory teams as needed
  • Receive hands-on training and mentorship from senior associates and managers
  • Build foundational knowledge of federal and state tax compliance and regulations
  • Develop client communication skills in preparation for future client-facing responsibilities

The successful candidate will have
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting
  • 0-2 years of public or private accounting experience
  • CPA eligible or actively pursuing CPA licensure
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and SharePoint
  • Ability to work effectively in a team environment
  • Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks and in organizing and prioritizing work assignments and ongoing duties
  • Ability to communicate effectively and timely in writing and verbally with colleagues, clients, and other external partners
  • Ability to work effectively in a diverse team environment

Benefits:
The pay range for this role is $80,000 - $82,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.
For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage; Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer-paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 13 paid holidays.
At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.

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