Tax Preparers

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for tax preparers will decline by about 1 percent through 2029. Tax laws are constantly changing and growing more complex, however, so there will be continued need for tax professionals will. Recent surveys of employers in large metropolitan areas have found an adequate supply of tax preparers; prospects for employment may be better in smaller cities or rural areas. Also, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many industries and businesses, affecting people's income and slowing down the economy in 2020. Tax preparers will be needed to help people keep informed of tax laws that have changed during the pandemic, as well as post pandemic, and to file correct tax forms.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, created job opportunities for tax preparers. Job opportunities will continue for tax professionals who understand the intricacies of the law and who can help clients comply with these regulations and tax provisions.

Tax laws are constantly evolving and people look to tax preparers to save time, money, and frustration, but new tax programs and online resources are easing the process of preparing taxes, lessening the need for outside help. People can easily find information online about tax laws and regulations. Tax tips are readily available, as are online seminars and workshops.

The IRS also offers taxpayers and businesses the option to "e-file," or electronically file their tax returns on the Internet. In tax year 2019, a total of more than 119 million federal tax returns were prepared and e-filed by taxpayers themselves.