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How to Become a Tax Preparer: Requirements, Steps, and FAQs (2026 Guide) 

Jennifer Newmann

Published: | Last Updated:

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To become a tax preparer, you need a high school diploma or GED, a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, and an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) if you plan to e-file returns. Some states, like California, New York, Maryland, and Oregon, also require registration or a license. Most tax preparers strengthen their skills with a college program in accounting before entering the field. 

Below, we break down each step so you can start your career with confidence. 

What Are the Steps to Become a Tax Preparer?

Taxes are due every April, so skilled tax preparers are always in demand. Here’s how to get started: 

  • Earn a high school diploma or GED
  • Complete an accounting or tax program
  • Get your PTIN from the IRS 
  • Apply for an EFIN if you’ll file returns electronically 
  • Register or get licensed in your state (if required) 
  • Gain on-the-job experience 

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

You can enter the tax field with just a high school diploma or GED. That’s the minimum. But more education makes your resume stronger and opens more doors. It also makes the move into your new role much smoother. 

Step 2: Complete an Accounting or Tax Program

Enrolling in an official certificate or degree program isn’t required to prepare taxes, but it teaches the skills hiring managers want most. 

An online option like Bryan University’s Tax Preparer Undergraduate Certificate taxes; from the types and structures to laws and ethics. The program also prepares you for the Microsoft Excel Specialist Certification, the National Association of Bookkeepers Certification in Tax, and the IRS Enrolled Agent exams.  

Step 3: Get Your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)

Anyone who prepares federal tax returns for pay must have a PTIN. The IRS issues these numbers so you can legally file returns for clients and get paid for it. 

Here’s what to know about the PTIN: 

  • Apply online through the IRS website. It takes about 15 minutes. 
  • The fee is $18.75 for 2026. 
  • You’ll need your Social Security number, personal and business contact info, and last year’s tax return. 
  • PTINs expire on December 31 each year, so you’ll renew annually. 

You can also apply by mailing a paper Form W-12, but that takes about six weeks to process. Online is much faster. 

Step 4: Apply for Your Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN)

Almost all tax returns today are filed electronically. If you plan to e-file for clients, you need an EFIN in addition to your PTIN. 

You can apply for an EFIN for free through the IRS website. If the IRS doesn’t have your fingerprints on file, you’ll complete that step before your number is issued. Plan ahead: the full process can take about 45 days. 

Step 5: Register or Get Licensed in Your State (If Required)

Most states let you prepare taxes with no extra steps. A handful have their own rules: 

  • Oregon is the only state that requires a full license, including 80 hours of tax education and an exam. 
  • California, Maryland, and New York require registration, plus continuing education. California and Maryland also require a course or exam. 

Connecticut, Nevada, and Illinois have lighter registration or permit requirements. You can learn more about those here.  

Check with your state’s tax board before you start. Rules can change from year to year. 

Step 6: Gain On-the-Job Experience

Once you’ve completed these steps, it’s time to apply for jobs or internships. The more experience you build, the easier it is to get hired or grow a loyal client base. Happy clients come back every year, and they often refer friends, family, and coworkers. 

Graduates with an accounting degree can also qualify for related roles like payroll clerk, bookkeeper, billing clerk, accounting assistant, or accounts receivable clerk. These jobs are a great way to build experience while you grow your tax skills. 

How Much Do Tax Preparers Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, tax preparers earn an average of about $58,000 per year. Your pay depends on several factors like your location, experience, and whether you work for a firm or run your own business. 

What Is It Like to Work as a Tax Preparer?

Your busy season runs from January to April. Most of your work happens in the months leading up to the April tax deadline. The upside? Your slow season lines up with summer, so vacations are easy to plan. 

You can work in many fields. Tax preparers aren’t limited to individual returns. You can also work in small business taxes, bookkeeping, payroll, forensic accounting, retirement planning, investments, or business counseling. Many employers in retail, finance, insurance, non-profits, manufacturing, and government hire people with tax and accounting training. 

You need to stay current on tax laws. Tax codes change often, and you need to know the updates before they take effect. The IRS offers a voluntary Annual Filing Season Program that includes 18 hours of continuing education each year. Completing it earns you a Record of Completion and a spot in the IRS’s public directory of tax preparers, which helps clients find and trust you. 

Some clients have complex situations. A client with one employer and a regular paycheck is a simple return. Clients who are self-employed, juggle freelance work, or earn money from side gigs take more skill. That’s where your training really pays off. 

Is Becoming a Tax Preparer Worth It?

For many people, yes. Here’s why: 

You help people when it matters. Taxes stress people out. You can be the friendly expert who takes that stress off their shoulders every spring. 

You save clients money. One of the best parts of the job is finding deductions your clients didn’t know about. Helping someone get a bigger refund feels great. 

You save on your own taxes, too. As a tax expert, you can file your own return with ease and claim every deduction you qualify for. That saves you both time and money. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a degree to become a tax preparer?

No. You need at least a high school diploma or GED, plus a PTIN from the IRS. But a degree or certificate in accounting makes you more competitive and prepares you for more complex work. 

How much does it cost to get a PTIN?

The PTIN fee is $18.75 for 2026. You must renew it every year. 

How long does it take to become a tax preparer?

You can get your PTIN in about 15 minutes online, while an EFIN can take up to 45 days. If your state requires a course or exam, add a few weeks to a few months for that training. 

Which states require tax preparers to register?

Oregon requires a license. California, Maryland, and New York require registration and continuing education. Connecticut, Nevada, and Illinois have their own registration rules.

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