Tax Preparer Resume: Overview
As a tax preparer, you handle the critical task of helping clients file accurate tax returns on time. You guide your clients through potential deductions, credits and strategies for minimizing tax liability. Tax preparers work in various settings, including:
- Tax preparation firms like H&R Block
- Accounting offices or CPA firms
- Corporate finance departments
- Government agencies, such as the IRS
- Independent consulting roles
To succeed as a tax preparer, you need proficiency in tax software, a solid understanding of tax codes, attention to detail and excellent communication skills. Your resume should highlight the skills and qualifications that make you a reliable and efficient tax preparer.
Ready to create your new resume? We’re here to help! Check out our professional resume examples and easy-to-use templates to get started now!
Tax Preparer Resume: Choose a Format
Choosing a resume format is the first step in presenting your experience and skills to potential employers. The right format can make your skills and qualifications shine by emphasizing your strengths as a tax professional.
There are three formats to consider for your tax preparer resume: chronological, functional or combination. Let’s explore how each format works and find the right one for you!
Chronological resumes for tax preparers
A chronological resume is the go-to format for most tax preparers. It lists your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent role, making it ideal for professionals with a solid and consistent work history.
A chronological format is easy for hiring managers to read and is compatible with ATS software used to pre-screen resumes. However, if you are new to tax preparation or have gaps in employment, another format may be more effective.
Functional resumes for tax preparers
Functional resumes focus on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. A functional format lists your most relevant skills, education and other qualifications without providing your previous job titles or work history.
This format can work well if you are starting or changing your career as a tax professional because it showcases your abilities without highlighting a lack of experience. However, it is incompatible with most ATS, which could hurt your chances of getting your resume in front of a hiring manager.
Combination resumes for tax preparers
As the name implies, a combination resume blends the chronological and functional formats. A combination format features a robust skills section first, followed by a detailed work history. It’s particularly effective if you have an impressive skill set and at least some tax preparation experience.
Combination resumes are great for experienced tax preparers who want to emphasize their skills and accomplishments. However, this format can become lengthy if not well-organized. Focusing on the most relevant information is crucial when using a combination format.
Choosing a resume format
If you’re unsure which format to use, the chronological format is often the best option for tax preparers. It’s straightforward, ATS-friendly and familiar to hiring managers, making it a reliable choice at any stage of your career. This format can work well even if you don’t have professional tax preparation experience.
You can customize a chronological resume by focusing on transferable skills and relevant experience. For example, you can include internships, part-time jobs or volunteer roles related to tax preparation. You can also include if you’ve helped friends or family prepare taxes informally. For instance, you might write, “Prepared 20+ individual tax returns for family and friends, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal and state regulations.”
Focus on accomplishments demonstrating your attention to detail, problem-solving abilities and familiarity with financial processes. For example, if you worked in a retail job, highlight skills like managing cash transactions, analyzing sales reports or exceptional customer service. These details make your resume more impactful and show employers that you can succeed in a tax preparer role, even without direct experience.
How to Write a Tax Preparer Resume
Writing a tax preparer resume doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You can create a resume highlighting your qualifications and making a strong impression by breaking it into sections. Start by creating a resume outline including the following elements:
- Contact Information
- Resume Summary or Objective
- Work History
- Skills
- Education
Once you have covered the essentials, you can add some optional sections to really make an impact. Follow this step-by-step resume writing guide to learn how to make the most of each section and impress potential employers.
Contact information
Start with a clear, professional contact information section. Include your full name, city and state, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Double-check that everything is accurate, as this is how employers will contact you. Here’s how to format your contact information section:
Emily Martinez
Austin, TX
(512) 987-6543
emily.martinez@email.com
LinkedIn.com/in/emilymartinez
Make this information easy to find and easy to read by placing this information at the top of your resume and using a standard font.
Summary or objective
Next, you will write a concise introduction to your resume. This two or three-sentence paragraph at the top of your resume should grab the employer’s attention and provide an overview of your most relevant skills and experience. This opening statement can be either a resume summary or an objective.
A resume summary is ideal for experienced tax preparers. It highlights your level of expertise, strongest skills and accomplishments. For example, a summary for an experienced tax preparer might say:
Detail-oriented tax preparer with 5+ years of experience managing individual and business tax filings. Proficient in TaxSlayer and QuickBooks, with a track record of helping clients save an average of 20% through strategic deductions and credits.
On the other hand, an objective statement works best for entry-level professionals or career changers. Use it to explain your goals, highlight relevant skills and show your passion for the job. For instance, an objective statement for a tax preparer’s resume might say:
Recent accounting graduate with advanced coursework in tax law and financial analysis. Eager to apply strong analytical skills and knowledge of IRS regulations to provide excellent client service as a tax preparer for a dynamic and reputable firm.
Whichever option you choose, always customize your introduction to match the job description and include relevant keywords to make your resume ATS-friendly.
Work history
The work history section is one of the most essential parts of your tax preparer resume. It is where you show potential employers the experience and contributions that make you the right fit for the role. Start by listing your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Include your job title, employer’s name and location, and the dates of employment.
Then, write three to five bullet points describing your key responsibilities and achievements beneath each entry. To make this section compelling, use strong action verbs like “prepared,” “analyzed,” “advised,” or “calculated” to show your proactive approach to tax preparation.
As a tax professional, you know numbers can make an impact! Quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact. For example, “Prepared and filed over 200 tax returns annually” shows the scope of your work more clearly than “Prepared tax returns.”
To stand out to employers, focus on results. Highlight how your work benefited clients or the company. For instance, mention how you saved clients money or improved efficiency.
Here’s an example of a job entry for a tax preparer’s resume:
Tax Preparer
Bright Tax Solutions, Austin, TX
February 2020 – Present
- Prepared and filed over 250 individual and small business tax returns annually, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Identified overlooked deductions and credits, saving clients an average of $1,200 per return.
- Conducted client consultations to review financial documents, resulting in a 98% satisfaction rate.
Skills
The skills section of your tax preparer resume is your chance to showcase your most relevant hard and soft skills. Hard skills demonstrate your technical ability to manage tax filings and financial data, while soft skills highlight how you interact with clients and handle the pressure of tight deadlines. Including a mix of skills shows employers that you’re well-rounded and capable of delivering excellent results.
For inspiration, we have compiled a list of the top hard and soft skills for a tax preparer resume:
Top 5 hard skills for tax preparer resumes:
- Tax software proficiency: Expertise in programs like QuickBooks, TaxSlayer, and TurboTax is essential for managing tax returns efficiently, which is critical in tax preparation.
- Knowledge of tax codes: A thorough understanding of federal and state tax laws enables you to apply the correct rules and maximize deductions.
- Financial reporting: The ability to prepare clear, accurate financial statements demonstrates your understanding of a client’s financial health and ability to support strategic tax planning for businesses and individuals.
- IRS compliance: Staying updated on IRS filing requirements ensures that all tax returns are submitted correctly and on time, protecting clients from penalties.
- Data analysis: A key part of a tax preparer’s role is analyzing financial records to identify discrepancies, savings opportunities, or compliance issues.
Top 5 soft skills for tax preparer resumes:
- Attention to detail: Tax preparers must catch even the smallest errors in financial data to ensure accuracy in filings. This skill is crucial for avoiding mistakes that could lead to audits or penalties.
- Communication: Explaining complex tax concepts in simple terms helps clients understand their financial situation, ensuring the tax preparation process is smooth for everyone involved.
- Time management: During busy tax seasons, effective time management ensures that all returns are prepared and filed on time without compromising quality.
- Problem-solving: The ability to find solutions to complex tax issues and identify deductions or credits that others might miss sets you apart from the competition.
- Customer service: Building strong client relationships through responsiveness and reliability ensures repeat business and referrals.
A skills section for a tax preparer’s resume should look something like this:
Skills
- QuickBooks, TaxSlayer, TurboTax
- IRS compliance and reporting
- Financial analysis
- Communication and client service
- Attention to detail
Education
Next, you will provide your educational background to demonstrate your qualifications as a tax preparer. List your highest degree, followed by the institution and its location. Only include graduation dates if they are specifically requested. Keep the focus on your qualifications rather than when you earned them.
The education section of a tax preparer resume should look something like this:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Optionally, you can include relevant coursework, certifications or workshops related to tax preparation in this section. However, creating a separate section for that information can highlight your qualifications.
Additional sections
Once you have the essential information covered, consider including optional sections to spotlight your strengths and unique qualifications. Here are some sections that can help you stand out:
- Certifications
- Awards or Honors
- Volunteer Work
- Languages
- Professional Memberships
Top certifications for tax preparers
Earning certifications can significantly boost your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Here are the top certifications for a tax preparer resume:
- Enrolled Agent (EA): Becoming an EA authorizes you to represent taxpayers before the IRS, handling matters like audits, collections, and appeals.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): A CPA license is a prestigious credential validating your knowledge and the broad range of services you can offer.
- Chartered Tax Professional (CTP): The CTP designation validates your specialized training in individual and business tax preparation. It demonstrates you can handle complex tax issues.
- Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP): Participating in annual IRS-recognized continuing education highlights your commitment to staying updated on the latest tax laws and filing procedures.
- QuickBooks Certification: Proficiency in QuickBooks confirms your technical proficiency with this widely used accounting software to manage financial records efficiently.
10 Tips for Writing a Tax Preparer Resume
- Match the job description. Carefully read the job posting and incorporate keywords directly into your resume. For example, if the job description mentions “proficiency with tax software” or “client consultation experience,” include those phrases. This approach increases the chances of your resume passing ATS filters and catching the hiring manager’s eye.
- Quantify your achievements. Employers want measurable results showing your impact. Instead of saying, “Prepared tax returns,” try, “Prepared and filed over 200 tax returns annually, saving clients an average of $1,500 each through strategic deductions.” Adding numbers makes your accomplishments more concrete and impressive.
- Emphasize hard and soft skills. Highlight both your technical and interpersonal skills. Include hard skills like proficiency in QuickBooks or knowledge of IRS compliance and soft skills like communication and problem-solving. For instance, mention how your expertise in TaxSlayer helped streamline tax preparation for clients or how your attention to detail prevented costly filing errors.
- Customize each resume. Tailoring your resume to each job posting can make all the difference. Adjust your summary, skills and work history to reflect the specific requirements of the role. For example, if the job emphasizes working with small businesses, include experiences like “Assisted 50+ small business clients with accurate tax filings and financial planning.”
- Showcase relevant certifications. Certifications like Enrolled Agent (EA) or QuickBooks Certification demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field. List them prominently in your skills or certifications section. Mention how these qualifications make you better equipped to handle complex tax scenarios.
- Be concise. While detail is important, keep your resume clean and easy to scan. Stick to one page unless you have extensive experience. Use bullet points and clear section headings to guide the reader. For instance, instead of writing a paragraph about your achievements, use concise, impactful statements like, “Reduced filing errors by 25% through meticulous data review.”
- Highlight your problem-solving skills. Employers value tax preparers who can think critically to minimize client liabilities. Mention specific instances where you identified overlooked deductions, corrected errors or found creative solutions. For example, “Saved a client $5,000 by identifying eligibility for lesser-known tax credits.”
- Include volunteer work. Include it on your resume if you’ve volunteered to prepare taxes for programs like VITA or local nonprofits. Volunteer work not only shows your experience but also demonstrates your commitment to the community. Use bullet points to describe your contributions, such as “Assisted 75+ low-income clients with accurate tax filings during the 2023 tax season.”
- Include client service skills. Tax preparation is more than crunching numbers — building trust and ensuring clients feel confident in your work. Highlight your ability to communicate complex tax concepts simply or your track record of maintaining high client satisfaction. For example, “Consistently achieved a 98% client satisfaction rate through clear communication and responsive service.”
- Proofread carefully. Accuracy is critical for tax preparers, and errors on your resume can create the wrong impression. Double-check for spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes. Even minor errors can make an employer question your attention to detail. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your resume for extra assurance.
What Users Are Saying
View Similar Resume Examples
Use Hloom's Resume Builder
Key Takeaways
A chronological resume is a solid choice for tax preparers. It offers an easy-to-read format that works for any level of experience.
Use keywords from the job description to stand out to ATS systems and hiring managers.
Highlight technical skills like tax software proficiency alongside soft skills like communication and attention to detail.
Tailor your resume to each job posting by focusing on the skills and experiences that match the role.
Certifications like Enrolled Agent or QuickBooks Certification add credibility and make your resume more competitive.
More Resume Examples
Use Hloom's Cover Letter Builder
FAQ
No, you should not include a photo on your tax preparer resume. In the U.S., resumes generally don’t feature pictures to avoid bias during the hiring process. Instead, focus on showcasing your qualifications, skills and experience. A professional and polished resume layout is enough to make a strong impression.
To make your tax preparer resume ATS-friendly, use keywords from the job description, such as “tax software proficiency,” “client consultations” or “IRS compliance.” Stick to a clean, easy-to-read format with standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman, and avoid images, graphics or complex layouts that ATS systems might struggle to read. Use clear headings for sections like “Skills” and “Work History,” and include measurable achievements to show your impact. For example, “Prepared 200+ individual and business tax returns annually with 100% accuracy.”
A tax preparer’s resume should generally be one page, especially if you’re early in your career or transitioning. If you have extensive experience, certifications, or specialized skills, a second page may be appropriate, but make sure every detail is relevant. Focus on including accomplishments demonstrating your skills, such as how you saved clients money, managed complex filings, or improved efficiency in a tax preparation process.
No, you don’t need to include references directly on your tax preparer resume. Instead, use the space to highlight your skills, experience, and achievements. If an employer requests references, you can provide them separately. A simple “References available upon request” is also unnecessary, as it’s typically understood. Focus on creating a compelling resume that makes hiring managers want to contact you for more information.
If you don’t have direct tax preparation experience, focus on transferable skills and relevant roles. Highlight experiences where you’ve worked with financial data, managed detailed records or provided client-facing services. For example, bookkeeping, accounting or customer service roles can demonstrate skills like attention to detail, problem-solving and communication. If you’ve volunteered to assist with tax preparation through programs like VITA or helped friends and family with their taxes, include that as professional experience and quantify your achievements wherever possible.
To make your resume stand out, go beyond listing duties and focus on achievements. Use numbers to quantify your impact, such as “Saved clients an average of $1,200 per return through strategic tax planning.” Highlight certifications like Enrolled Agent or QuickBooks Certification. Include any specializations, such as small business tax preparation. A well-crafted summary or objective tailored to the job posting can also catch a hiring manager’s attention. Finally, ensure your resume is error-free — as a tax preparer, attention to detail is critical, and your resume should reflect that.
SiteJabber
