Tax preparers
SOC Code: 13-2082
Tax preparers carries a 71% AI exposure score (Very High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $50,560 and +4.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 90,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 71% AI exposure, Tax preparers sits 34 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 98% of them. It is one of just 21 occupations above the 70% high-exposure line.
Where Tax preparers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Tax preparers has ai exposure of 71%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Tax preparers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Tax preparers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Tax preparers (SOC 13-2082) carries an AI exposure score of 71%, placing it in the Very High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score above 70% signals that the majority of core duties are already technically automatable, workers in these roles face the steepest near-term displacement pressure.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 90,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.5% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $50,560, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Tax preparers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 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. Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
- 6. Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
- 7. Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
- 8. Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
- 9. Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
- 10. Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Time Management
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
Knowledge Areas
- Economics and Accounting
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Law and Government
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Telecommunications
- Communications and Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Tax preparers?
Tax preparers has an AI exposure score of 71%, indicating a very high level of automation risk. Many tasks in this role involve routine data processing and pattern recognition that current AI systems can perform.
What is the job outlook for Tax preparers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Tax preparers is projected to grow by 4.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 90,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Tax preparers?
Key skills for Tax preparers include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Tax preparers earn?
The median annual wage for Tax preparers is $50,560, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Tax preparers?
The typical entry-level education for Tax preparers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Tax preparers?
Tax preparers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Very High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A majority of tasks in this occupation are susceptible to AI automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).