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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 13-2082 Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses but do not have the background or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant.
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances. Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum. Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses. Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables. Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion. Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures. Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns. Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required. Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients. Review financial records such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns. Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $9.18   Entry $19,095.00
Mean $17.61   Mean $36,623.00
Experience $21.82 Experience $45,392.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
81087095.71
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Occupational Videos
13-2082.00 Tax Preparers