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Tax Preparer Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

InsCipher

Tax Associate

Huntsville, AL · Remote

$21 - $26/hr

We're achieving that goal by enhancing every facet of our customers reporting and tax filings through education and innovative, streamlined compliance solutions. We're growing fast and want you to be ...

H&R Block

Pre-Season Tax Professional

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Conduct tax interviews with clients * Increase retention of all clients * Offer additional products and services * Generate business growth by supporting business to business sales activities

Security Finance

Customer Service Representative

Athens, AL

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Prepare and process loans and income tax returns. We offer: * TOP-of-the-line training, with pay increase incentives, which includes hands-on and online training. We are committed to helping you ...

Security Finance

Customer Service Representative

Athens, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $21/hr

Prepare and process loans and income tax returns. We offer: * TOP-of-the-line training, with pay increase incentives, which includes hands-on and online training. We are committed to helping you ...

Security Finance

Customer Service Representative

Athens, AL

$13.50 - $18.50/hr

Prepare and process loans and income tax returns. We offer: * TOP-of-the-line training, with pay increase incentives, which includes hands-on and online training. We are committed to helping you ...

Varsity Tutors

Quickbooks Tutor

Huntsville, AL · Remote

$40/hr

Emphasizes accurate record-keeping practices and connects QuickBooks to small business financial management and tax preparation. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

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All JobsTax Preparer JobsTax Preparer Jobs in Decatur, AL

Tax Preparer information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$8

$16

$33

How much do tax preparer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for tax preparer in Decatur, AL is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tax Preparer vs Tax Advisor?

AspectTax PreparerTax Advisor
CredentialsNone required; certifications like PTIN recommendedOften certified or credentialed (e.g., EA, CPA)
Work EnvironmentSeasonal, tax preparation firms, or freelanceConsulting firms, accounting practices, or independent
Employer & IndustryTax preparation companies, retail chains, or self-employedFinancial advisory firms, accounting firms, or independent
Primary FocusPreparing tax returns based on client dataProviding tax planning, advice, and strategies

While both roles involve working with taxes, a Tax Preparer primarily focuses on preparing and filing tax returns, often during tax season. A Tax Advisor offers broader tax planning and strategic advice year-round, often requiring additional certifications. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their needs.

What are some of the busiest periods for tax preparers, and how should I prepare for the workload?

Tax preparers experience their highest workloads during tax season, typically from January through mid-April, as individuals and businesses rush to file their returns before the deadline. During this period, you can expect longer hours, tight deadlines, and a high volume of client interactions. To manage the workload effectively, it's important to stay organized, familiarize yourself with current tax laws, and communicate proactively with clients about required documentation. Many firms also provide support through collaborative teams or software tools to streamline processes during peak times.

How much money can a tax preparer make?

A tax preparer’s income varies based on experience, location, and client base, but the median annual salary in the United States is around $50,000. Seasonal work during tax season and certifications like the IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) can influence earning potential.

Is it difficult to become a tax preparer?

Becoming a tax preparer generally requires completing a training course, passing a certification exam such as the IRS Annual Filing Season Program, and gaining familiarity with tax software. The difficulty varies based on prior knowledge of tax laws and accounting, but many find it manageable with dedicated study and practice.

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

To thrive as a Tax Preparer, you need a solid understanding of tax laws, accounting principles, and typically a relevant degree or certification such as the IRS Annual Filing Season Program or Enrolled Agent status. Familiarity with tax preparation software like Intuit ProConnect, Drake Tax, or IRS e-file systems is crucial. Strong attention to detail, client communication, and problem-solving skills help build trust and ensure accurate filings. These skills and qualifications are vital for preparing error-free returns, meeting deadlines, and maintaining client satisfaction in a highly regulated environment.

Can I be a tax preparer with no experience?

Tax preparers can often start with little to no experience, but they typically need to complete training or certification, such as passing a tax preparer exam or obtaining a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). Gaining knowledge of tax laws and using tax software are important for success in this role. Employers may provide on-the-job training for entry-level positions.

What Are Tax Preparers?

Tax preparers assist individuals and corporations in the organization, preparation, and filing of state and federal taxes. Not all tax preparers are accountants, but they are all familiar with current tax codes and can ask questions to deliver the best results for their clients regarding a possible refund. As a tax preparer, you discuss tax laws that may affect your clients, request documentation, organize the paperwork, complete required tax forms, and file the returns with state and federal agencies. While paper returns are accepted, most clients prefer to submit electronically, so tax preparers need to be proficient with computer software tax program.

Is being a tax preparer a good career?

Tax preparers assist individuals and businesses with filing tax returns, often working during tax season and requiring knowledge of tax laws and software. The profession can offer flexible hours and opportunities for certification, but income varies based on experience and client base. It can be a suitable career for those interested in finance and detail-oriented work.

What are tax preparers?

Tax preparers are professionals who assist individuals and businesses in preparing and filing their tax returns. They help ensure that clients comply with tax laws, maximize deductions and credits, and accurately report income and expenses. Tax preparers may work independently, for tax preparation firms, or for accounting companies, and may hold certifications such as Enrolled Agent (EA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP). Their expertise can help clients avoid errors and potential penalties from the IRS.
More about Tax Preparer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Tax Preparer jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Tax Preparer jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Tax Preparer jobs in Decatur, AL? For Tax Preparer jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Tax Preparer jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Tax Preparer job openings:
Tax Preparer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tax Preparer job openings in Decatur, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,772 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
State and Local Tax (SALT) Senior Manager

State and Local Tax (SALT) Senior Manager

Frazier & Deeter

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Join Frazier & Deeter and be a part of a rapidly growing Top 50 accounting & advisory firm that has been repeatedly named a Best Firm to Work For, a Best Firm for Women and a Pacesetter firm among U.S. accounting firms. With several offices across the U.S., UK, and India, there is a spot for you!
We serve clients of all sizes across the United States and the globe, with a suite of services that grow every year. Our growth mindset and entrepreneurial environment translates into variety and opportunity for our people.
At Frazier & Deeter, we're committed to training, mentoring, and developing our staff members. With our emphasis on Investing in Relationships to Make a Difference and a Firmwide Focus on Inclusion, we help each other grow in every aspect of life.
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced State and Local Tax (SALT) Senior Manager to join our people-centered, entrepreneurial public accounting firm. In this key leadership role, you will help shape, expand, and elevate a growing SALT practice. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across multistate income/franchise tax, sales and use tax, and tax credits and incentives, along with hands-on experience guiding clients through complex SALT challenges. This position offers significant opportunities for client service, business development, leadership, and long-term career advancement.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Deliver income/franchise tax services including tax return review, tax research, preparation of technical memorandums, drafting client correspondence, nexus studies, tax credit calculations, multistate credit reviews, voluntary disclosure agreements, and assisting clients with handling state income/franchise tax audits;
  • Deliver sales & use tax services including registrations and tax compliance, taxability decision matrix, voluntary disclosures, tax research, preparation of technical memorandums, drafting client correspondence, nexus studies, refund recovery studies, and assisting clients with handling state sales tax audits;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of complex tax and accounting concepts and effectively apply work experience and technical expertise to client situations;
  • Serve as a thought leader in the F&D SALT practice and keep abreast of new and changing developments that impact clients in the area of SALT;
  • Participate in staff recruiting and supervise, mentor and develop staff level team members;
  • Play a key role in new business generation and continued development of the client base within the F&D service groups by identifying client needs and service offerings;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as computer expertise including knowledge of tax software and technology; and
  • Attend professional development and training seminars on a regular basis.

Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting; CPA, JD, CMI or Enrolled Agent preferred.
  • A minimum of 7 years of progressive tax consulting experience in SALT.
  • Exceptional client service and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain outstanding client relationships.
  • Ability to manage multiple engagements and competing priorities in a rapidly growing, fast-paced, interactive, results-based team environment.
  • Computer expertise including knowledge of tax software and technology.

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