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Federal Tax Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Redwitz, Inc

Senior Tax Associate

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Tax Associate in our La Jolla Office. In this position, there ... Continue to develop, maintain, and improve knowledge of local, state, and federal tax rules ...

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Federal Tax Associate information

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$30K

$69.5K

$102K

How much do federal tax associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal tax associate in the United States is $69,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Federal Tax Associates?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Tax Associate, and why are they important?

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.
More about Federal Tax Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Tax Associate jobs? Cities with the most Federal Tax Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Tax jobs? The most popular types of Federal Tax jobs are:
What states have the most Federal Tax Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Tax Associate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Tax Associate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Tax Associate jobs are:
Federal Tax Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Tax Associate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,469 per year, or $33.4 per hour.
Federal Tax Associate (Fall 2027/Winter 2028)

Federal Tax Associate (Fall 2027/Winter 2028)

RSM

Davenport, IA • On-site

$59K - $71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You'll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There's no one like you and that's why there's nowhere like RSM.

At RSM, associates work with large and small companies in various industries. They develop strong working relationships with clients built on understanding their businesses and challenges. Associates work on multiple team engagements each year, including several pieces of any particular assignment - not just one part. Working in a mutually respectful team environment helps our associates perform at their best and integrate their career with their personal life.

Examples of the candidate's responsibilities include:

  • Working on a team that focuses on a wide range of tax specialty areas.This can include accounting for income taxes, accounting methods and periods, corporate taxation, federal credits and incentives, individual taxation, mergers and acquisitions, pass-through entity taxation, private client services, and not for profit organizations.
  • Completing tax planning and research
  • Preparing federal and state & local tax returns
  • Understanding tax regulations and accounting pronouncements

Basic Qualifications:

  • Minimum B.A. or B.S. degree or equivalent from an accredited university
  • Accounting major
  • Travel to assigned client locations is required. Must have access to and ability to arrange for use of reliable modes of transportation to those locations
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Working toward the successful completion of the CPA exam-tax associates have the opportunity to obtain the audit hours required for full certification
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel
  • Ability to work effectively on a team
  • Ability to work and multitask in a fast-paced environment

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people.We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life's demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients.Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership.RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at careers@rsmus.com.

RSM does not intend to hire entry-level candidates who require sponsorship now or in the future. This includes individuals who will one dayrequest or require RSM to file or complete immigration-related forms or prepare letters on their behalf in order for them to obtain or continue their work authorization.

RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.

At RSM, an employee's pay at any point in their career is intended to reflect their experiences, performance, and skills for their current role. The salary range (or starting rate for interns and associates) for this role represents numerous factors considered in the hiring decisions including, but not limited to, education, skills, work experience, certifications, location, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate(s) could fall anywhere within the stated range.

Compensation Range: $59,840 - $71,400

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