Seasonal Tax Preparer: Training, Pay and What to Check Before You Apply
Every winter, millions of Americans need help with their tax returns. That demand creates seasonal work for people who are careful with numbers and patient with paperwork. If you spent years in an office, a bank or a bookkeeping job, this may be a good fit. A few months of steady work could help cover a bill, such as a $60 monthly phone plan, for much of the year.
This guide explains what the work involves, what the IRS requires, and what to check before you apply. The fall months are when training usually begins, so now is a good time to look.
What a seasonal tax preparer does
A tax preparer gathers a client’s papers, enters the figures into tax software, checks the result, and explains what is on the return. Most of the work happens from about January through mid-April. Some preparers work in an office. Some companies also mention remote or virtual options, but details vary by employer, so ask directly.
This is not a casual job. Clients trust you with Social Security numbers and bank details. You must be careful, accurate and discreet.
What the IRS requires
Anyone who prepares federal tax returns for pay must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, called a PTIN. The IRS says most first-time applicants can apply online in about 15 minutes. As of November 2026, the fee is $18.75, and the IRS says you need a valid 2027 PTIN before preparing returns next season.
There is also a voluntary program called the Annual Filing Season Program. The IRS describes the standard path as 18 hours of continuing education, including a six-hour tax law refresher course with a test. People who finish receive a Record of Completion. It allows limited representation of clients whose returns you prepared and signed. Costs are set by the course providers, so compare prices before you pay.
One IRS point is worth remembering. A PTIN alone is not a professional credential. Clients may ask what training you have, so be ready to answer plainly.
Where to find the work
Large tax-preparation companies hire seasonal staff. Jackson Hewitt’s careers page, for example, mentions both seasonal and full-time Tax Pro roles and offers training. It does not state pay or start dates, so ask the local office. Pay and training rules differ by company and by franchise location.
Independent offices and accounting firms also hire extra help each winter. A phone call or a short visit in November or December can go a long way.
What does it pay?
Pay for seasonal work varies, and I could not find a reliable seasonal figure to share. For a rough sense of the wider field, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $49,010 for tax preparers in May 2023. That figure covers year-round employees, not part-season workers, so a seasonal job would pay less in total. Results vary a great deal by employer and hours.
Before you apply: a few cautions
- Never pay for a “guaranteed job” or a “starter kit.” Real employers do not charge you to be hired.
- Be wary of any offer to “maximize refunds” by adding deductions the client does not qualify for. Preparers are responsible for what they sign.
- Keep client information private and secure, just as you would your own.
How the income may affect you
Earnings from this work count as income. If you take Social Security before full retirement age, the Social Security Administration says that in 2026 it deducts $1 for every $2 you earn above $24,480. In the year you reach full retirement age, the limit is $65,160, with $1 withheld for every $3 above it. Seasonal pay could also change your taxes, and for some people it may affect SSI, Medicaid or housing help. This is general information, so please check your own situation. If you prefer a gentler start, volunteering as a free tax helper through the IRS VITA and TCE programs lets you learn the work first.
More on Replace a Bill
- Free Tax Help for Seniors: What TCE Is and How to Find It
- Social Security’s 2027 Earnings Limits: What Changes for Your Side Income
- Part-Time Bookkeeping From Home: A Realistic Look at Small Clients
