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Tax Preparer Resume Example

A strong tax preparer resume shows season throughput and credentials: the number and types of returns you complete, your active PTIN and any EA or CPA designation, and the tax software you use such as Drake, Lacerte, or ProSeries. Quantify individual and business returns filed, e-file accuracy, and client retention, and reference IRS compliance and continuing education to show current, trustworthy practice.

Free tax preparer resume — .docx + PDF

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Tax Preparer resume example

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Tax Preparer

(555) 010-0000 · you@example.com · City, ST · linkedin.com/in/your-name

Professional Summary

Reliable tax preparer with five filing seasons completing 600-plus individual and small-business returns, holding an active PTIN, fluent in Drake and Lacerte, and committed to accurate, IRS-compliant filings and steady client retention.

Experience

Tax Preparer — Evergreen Tax & Advisory

2021 – Present

City, ST

  • Prepared and e-filed 620 individual and small-business returns in the most recent season, including 1040, Schedule C, and 1120-S filings.
  • Maintained a 99% e-file acceptance rate by reviewing each return against IRS validation rules before submission.
  • Identified credits and deductions that lowered client liability, averaging $1,400 in additional savings per qualifying return.
  • Retained 92% of returning clients year over year through accurate work and clear, proactive communication.
  • Conducted detailed client interviews to gather documentation and verify eligibility for credits.
  • Resolved three IRS notices on clients' behalf, preparing responses that closed each without penalty.
  • Completed 18 hours of continuing education annually to stay current on tax-law changes.
  • Mentored two seasonal preparers on Drake workflows and quality-review standards during peak season.

Seasonal Tax Associate — Hometown Bookkeeping & Tax

2019 – 2021

City, ST

  • Prepared roughly 240 individual returns per season under the supervision of an enrolled agent.
  • Entered W-2, 1099, and deduction data into ProSeries with a sub-2% rework rate on review.
  • Reconciled client-provided records to source documents before beginning each return.
  • Calculated estimated quarterly taxes for 30 self-employed clients to avoid underpayment penalties.
  • Scheduled appointments and managed the client document-intake queue during the filing rush.
  • Filed extensions accurately for clients needing additional time, tracking each to completion.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Accounting — State University

2015 – 2019

Certifications & Licenses

IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) · Enrolled Agent (EA)

Skills

Individual tax returns · Small-business returns · Drake Tax software · Lacerte and ProSeries · Tax credits and deductions · IRS compliance · Client interviewing · Estimated tax calculation · IRS notice response · Recordkeeping accuracy · Continuing education · Confidentiality

What to put on a tax preparer resume

Core skills

SkillWhy it belongs on the resume
Individual tax returnsPrepare 1040 returns with schedules for wages, interest, and deductions.
Small-business returnsComplete Schedule C, 1120-S, and partnership filings for clients.
Drake Tax softwarePrepare, review, and e-file returns efficiently in Drake.
Lacerte and ProSeriesWork across multiple professional tax-prep platforms.
Tax credits and deductionsIdentify eligible credits and deductions to lower client liability.
IRS complianceApply current tax law and e-file validation rules to every return.
Client interviewingGather documentation and verify eligibility through structured intake.
Estimated tax calculationCompute quarterly estimates so clients avoid underpayment penalties.
IRS notice responsePrepare responses to notices to resolve issues without penalty.
Recordkeeping accuracyReconcile client records to source documents before filing.
Continuing educationStay current on annual tax-law changes through required coursework.
ConfidentialityProtect sensitive client financial and identity information.
What recruiters and ATS filters expect on a tax preparer resume.

Licenses & certifications

List these near the top, exactly as a posting names them: IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), Enrolled Agent (EA). Never invent a credential or an expiration you cannot back up.

ATS keywords

ATS keywordATS keyword
tax preparerPTIN
Enrolled AgentDrake
LacerteProSeries
1040Schedule C
1120-Stax credits
deductionsIRS compliance
e-fileestimated taxes
Terms an applicant-tracking system scans for — work them in naturally where they are true of your experience.

Three bullets that work — and why

  1. Prepared and e-filed 620 individual and small-business returns in the most recent season, including 1040, Schedule C, and 1120-S filings.

    Why it works: Season volume and the named return types show both throughput and the breadth of filings you are competent to handle.

  2. Maintained a 99% e-file acceptance rate by reviewing each return against IRS validation rules before submission.

    Why it works: Acceptance rate is a clean accuracy proxy, and citing the review habit shows quality is built into your process.

  3. Identified credits and deductions that lowered client liability, averaging $1,400 in additional savings per qualifying return.

    Why it works: Quantifies the client value a good preparer adds, which drives the retention that tax firms care most about.

Tailoring it in three steps

  1. List credentials near the top

    Place your active PTIN and any EA or CPA designation prominently, since these establish your authority to prepare and represent.

  2. Name the tax software

    If the posting lists Drake, Lacerte, ProSeries, or UltraTax, mirror that exact platform in your summary and skills.

  3. Match the return mix

    Lead with individual or business returns depending on the firm's focus, and cite the season volume you actually completed.

FAQ

Do I need a PTIN on a tax preparer resume?

Yes, an active IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number is required to prepare returns for compensation, so listing it confirms you are eligible to do the core work of the role.

Should a tax preparer resume mention enrolled agent status?

If you hold it, yes: the Enrolled Agent credential signals you can represent clients before the IRS and is a strong differentiator, but list it only if you are actually credentialed.

How do I quantify a tax preparer resume?

Quantify returns completed per season, the return types you handle, your e-file acceptance rate, client retention, and notices resolved, since tax firms hire on accurate volume and repeat clients.

Is the tax preparer DOCX template free to download?

Yes, the DOCX and PDF download with no sign-up, no payment, and no watermark, and both open in Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice.

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