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Business OperationsTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Tax Preparer

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Annual openings

311

Median wage

$62,620

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+5%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

Work experience

This is an entry-level job so no work experience is expected.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Finance
  • Financial Planning

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
  2. Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
  3. Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  4. Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
  5. Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
  6. Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
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