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Tax Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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We are a financial firm seeking a Junior Tax Associate / Tax Assistant to support our CPAs and tax department with tax return preparation, client communication, and administrative responsibilities.

Accountant Senior Tax

Brea, CA · On-site

$84K - $108K/yr

Senior Staff Accountants - Tax assist clients by providing a full spectrum of individual, partnership, corporation and other tax services including client assistance, planning, research and ...

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Tax Assistant information

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$13

$24

$54

How much do tax assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for tax assistant in California is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tax assistant?

As a tax assistant, you work with an organization's accounting department to prepare tax filings and monitor tax-related expenses. Your job duties include reviewing tax returns, performing basic administrative work, and ensuring filing deadlines are understood and met. You may work for individual clients, helping properly fill out tax return forms during tax season, or you may work within a larger organization to provide professional support. As a tax assistant, you need a high level of attention to detail, a thorough understanding of database and spreadsheet technology, and impeccable record-keeping and organizational skills. You also need to know the basics of tax law and the principles of confidentiality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tax assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tax Assistant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, tax regulations, and attention to detail, typically supported by a degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with tax preparation software (such as QuickBooks or TurboTax), spreadsheets, and document management systems is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication help Tax Assistants excel in supporting clients and senior staff. These abilities are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant tax filings in a fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges faced by tax assistants during peak tax season, and how can they be managed?

During peak tax season, Tax Assistants often encounter high workloads and tight deadlines as they help prepare and process large volumes of tax documents. Managing multiple clients’ files and ensuring accuracy under pressure can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and staying organized with digital tools can help mitigate these challenges. Many firms also provide mentorship and training to support Tax Assistants during busy periods, fostering a collaborative environment where team members can share best practices.

What is the difference between Tax Assistant vs Tax Preparer?

AspectTax AssistantTax Preparer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic tax knowledgeHigh school diploma, tax preparation courses often preferred
Work EnvironmentAccounting firms, corporate finance departments, tax officesTax preparation firms, accounting offices, freelance work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by firms to support tax processesHired to prepare individual or business tax returns
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level tax rolesCompared for seasonal tax work and freelance opportunities

The main difference between a Tax Assistant and a Tax Preparer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Tax Assistants typically support tax professionals with data entry and document organization, while Tax Preparers actively prepare and file tax returns. Both roles require similar credentials, but Tax Preparer roles often involve more direct client interaction and tax filing responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Tax jobs in California?

The most popular types of Tax jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Tax Assistant jobs in California?

For Tax Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tax Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tax Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Tax Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Tax Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Tax Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Junior Tax Associate / Tax Assistant

Herbert Financial Group

Monrovia, CA • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

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Job description

We are a financial firm seeking a Junior Tax Associate / Tax Assistant to support our CPAs and tax department with tax return preparation, client communication, and administrative responsibilities.

This position is ideal for someone who has approximately one year of experience working in a CPA or tax firm and is interested in developing a long-term career in taxation.


Responsibilities

  • Assist CPAs and senior tax professionals with preparation of individual and business tax returns.
  • Input tax information into professional tax preparation software.
  • Organize and review client tax documents and workpapers.
  • Assist with Forms 1040, 1120-S, 1065, 1120, and other federal and California tax filings.
  • Communicate with clients to request missing tax documents and information.
  • Follow up with clients regarding outstanding items and filing requirements.
  • Maintain organized electronic tax files and workpapers.
  • Assist with tax department administration, filing deadlines, extensions, e-file authorizations, and internal tracking.
  • Perform basic tax research and assist CPAs with tax-related projects as needed.
  • Coordinate with accounting and administrative staff to ensure tax returns are completed timely.

Qualifications

  • Approximately 1 year of CPA firm or tax preparation experience preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of individual and business tax returns.
  • Experience with professional tax software is preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Professional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfortable communicating directly with clients by email and phone.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines during tax season.
  • Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related educational background preferred.
  • CPA license is not required.
  • Must be able to reliably commute to Monrovia or Azusa, California.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is still developing technically but already understands the basic workflow of a tax department. The ideal candidate can handle routine tax return input, communicate professionally with clients, keep tax files organized, and assist CPAs so they can focus on more complex tax matters and review work.

Company Description

Herbert Financial Group is a growing financial services and tax advisory firm dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals. We provide tax, accounting, financial planning, and insurance solutions with a commitment to integrity, professionalism, and exceptional client service. Our team-oriented culture values expertise, continuous learning, and long-term career growth.