Tax Preparer Resume Examples

Writing a great tax preparer resume is important because it is one of the first things a potential employer will see when they are considering you for a position. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Create your resume
Select from 7 professional resume templates

If you're looking for inspiration when it comes to drafting your own tax preparer resume, look no further than the samples below. These resumes will help you highlight your experience and qualifications in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of landing the tax preparer job you're after.

Use this template

or download as PDF

Essential Components of a Tax Preparer's Resume

A Tax Preparer's resume is a critical tool that showcases your expertise, experience, and proficiency in tax preparation. It serves as a professional introduction to potential employers, highlighting your ability to assist clients with tax compliance and accuracy. A well-crafted resume should be neatly organized and carefully constructed to capture attention and make a memorable impression.

Let's explore the various sections of a resume, their significance, and what to include in them. We'll also provide tips to enhance each section.

1. Contact Information

Your Contact Information is essential on any resume, including that of a Tax Preparer. It provides employers with the necessary details to contact you for further discussions or interviews.

How to List Contact Information for a Tax Preparer Resume

Include your full name, phone number, and a professional email address. Use an email that incorporates your first and last name to maintain professionalism. Refrain from using nicknames or confusing alphanumeric combinations, as they can make it difficult for recruiters to locate your correspondence.

Adding your LinkedIn profile or other professional networking sites can provide additional insight into your skills, experiences, and professional network.

While you can list your home address, it's not always necessary.
Some individuals prefer to mention only their city and state if applying locally or their willingness to relocate if required by the job.

Remember, the primary goal of this section is to simplify the process for potential employers to reach you, so ensure all information is current and accurate. Double-check for errors before distributing your resume, as a minor mistake could jeopardize a job opportunity.

2. Objective Statement

The Objective Statement is a pivotal element at the start of a Tax Preparer's resume. It's often the first thing employers notice and sets the tone for the rest of your resume. Craft a concise, clear statement that reflects your career goals and summarizes your value proposition.

Highlight your skills, qualifications, and tax-related experiences. Tailor this statement to each job application, focusing on what the employer seeks in an ideal candidate.

For instance, an experienced Tax Preparer might state: "Certified tax professional with over ten years of experience in accurate return preparation seeks a senior role to leverage extensive knowledge of tax regulations and outstanding client service abilities."

An entry-level candidate could say: "Recent accounting graduate with tax service internship experience seeks an entry-level Tax Preparer position to utilize strong analytical skills and knowledge of federal and state tax legislation."

An effective objective statement should be compelling enough to encourage employers to continue reading your resume. It should articulate not only your career aspirations but also the contributions you can make to the organization.

3. Skills and Competencies

The Skills and Competencies section is a crucial part of a Tax Preparer's resume, allowing hiring managers to quickly assess if you possess the necessary abilities for the role.

Essential skills for Tax Preparers include:

Knowledge of Tax Laws: Comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local tax regulations is imperative.
Mathematical Proficiency: Accuracy with numbers is essential for tax calculations.
Attention to Detail: Precision is critical to avoid errors that could impact clients.
Organizational Skills: Managing multiple clients and deadlines requires excellent organization.
Computer Literacy: Proficiency with tax software and other relevant applications is necessary.
Interpersonal Abilities: Effective communication and customer service skills are vital for client interactions.
Problem-Solving: Identifying and resolving discrepancies in financial documents is a key skill.
Ethical Conduct: Upholding high ethical standards is crucial due to the sensitive nature of financial information.
Time Management: Efficiently navigating the busy tax season is important for meeting tight deadlines.
Commitment to Continuing Education: Staying current with frequent changes in tax laws is essential.

Including these skills on your resume demonstrates your capability to fulfill the responsibilities of a Tax Preparer effectively.

4. Work Experience

The Work Experience section is a critical component of a Tax Preparer's resume. It allows potential employers to verify your practical experience with tax matters. This section provides an overview of your past positions, responsibilities, and achievements in the field.

List all relevant positions in reverse chronological order, including the company name, your title, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and accomplishments.

As a Tax Preparer, highlight tasks that showcase your expertise in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or businesses. Discuss any experience with tax preparation software and your knowledge of tax regulations.

Include instances where you identified potential tax credits and liabilities or maximized client deductions. Emphasize any tasks that demonstrate your attention to detail, analytical prowess, or commitment to confidentiality.

Quantify your achievements when possible. For example, rather than stating "Prepared numerous tax returns," specify "Prepared over 200 personal and business tax returns annually."

If you are new to the field with limited experience, consider including internships or relevant coursework from your education. This can show potential employers that you possess valuable knowledge and skills acquired through academic pursuits.

Ultimately, the Work Experience section should clearly convey your proficiency in managing various aspects of the taxation process while adhering to legal and regulatory standards.

5. Education and Certifications

The Education and Certifications section is a vital part of a Tax Preparer's resume. It informs potential employers about your academic credentials and any specialized certifications pertinent to the role.

Most Tax Preparers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many employers prefer candidates with higher education, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. These academic achievements can distinguish you from other job seekers.

In addition to formal education, various certifications can enhance a Tax Preparer's qualifications. The most common is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting state-specific requirements, often including 150 semester hours of college coursework.

The IRS Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion is another notable certification, requiring 18 hours of continuing education from IRS-approved providers and passing an exam.

For those aiming to represent clients before the IRS, becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA) is an option, which involves passing a comprehensive three-part IRS examination covering individual and business tax returns.

Listing your educational background and certifications on your resume not only showcases your capabilities but also demonstrates your dedication to maintaining professional expertise in the ever-evolving field of tax law.

Related: Tax Preparer Certifications

6. Professional Affiliations

Membership in professional organizations, highlighted in the Professional Affiliations section, is crucial for a Tax Preparer's resume. It reflects your engagement with the tax preparation community and your commitment to staying abreast of the latest industry trends, regulations, and best practices.

Being associated with reputable professional groups enhances your credibility and demonstrates your dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Employers recognize that you are an active participant in the field, keeping informed about changes in tax laws and policies.

Notable affiliations for Tax Preparers include the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and National Society of Accountants (NSA).

In this section, list all relevant organizations you are a member of, including any leadership roles or active participation in their activities. If you have contributed to significant projects or initiatives through these affiliations, it's beneficial to mention those as well.

Professional Affiliations can differentiate you from other candidates by showcasing your industry engagement and commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in tax preparation knowledge and skills. It demonstrates that you are invested in your career beyond just performing a job.

7. References

The References section is an integral part of a tax preparer's resume. It allows potential employers to validate your competencies, work ethic, and performance through individuals who can vouch for your professional background. This section can significantly influence an employer's decision as it provides insight into your professional relationships and the regard in which you are held by peers.

When listing references on your resume, choose individuals who can attest to your tax preparation abilities, such as former supervisors, managers, or colleagues familiar with your proficiency in tax filing. They should be able to confirm your understanding of tax laws, proficiency with tax software, discretion with client information, and other critical skills.

Always obtain permission before including someone as a reference. Inform them about the position you are applying for so they can tailor their recommendation accordingly. Provide their full names, current job titles, company names, phone numbers, and professional email addresses.

While strong references are essential, they must be genuine. Prospective employers may contact these individuals during the hiring process to corroborate and learn more about the details presented in your resume.

In some instances, you may opt to state "References available upon request" instead of including them in your initial application documents. This approach allows you to control when employers contact your references and frees up space on your resume for other critical sections, such as skills or experience.

The References section is crucial in demonstrating not only your self-proclaimed abilities but also the professional endorsement of your skills by others. Therefore, it's important to select credible and appropriate references and ensure they are willing to advocate for you.