High Risk Declining

Tax Preparer

Tax preparers complete and file tax returns for individuals and small businesses, calculating deductions and ensuring compliance.

$46,860
Median Salary
75,000
Total Employed
3
Career Transitions
AI Risk Score
0 %
High Risk

Competition Forecast

Millions will compete for the same safe roles. Act now for a head start.

50K+ seasonal preparers losing work annually

Workers Leaving This Role

Top Target Role

Enrolled Agent / CPA / Tax Strategist

Expected Competition

Very High - basic prep fully automated

Your Head Start

Urgent - pivot to complex tax strategy or lose all work

50K+ seasonal preparers losing work annually workers will flood the job market competing for the same transition paths.

Estimates based on labor market research from BLS, McKinsey, and World Economic Forum. Actual outcomes may vary.

Urgency Indicators

AI Capability Today 8/10

How well can AI perform this job today (1-10)

Job Posting Trend -50% since 2019

Change in job postings over recent years

Automation Timeline Already happening

Estimated time until significant automation

TurboTax Live AI finds deductions and completes returns in 30 minutes Intuit Assist AI answers tax questions with CPA-level accuracy IRS Free File eliminates 70% of demand for paid preparers

Why This Job Is At Risk

TurboTax, H&R Block AI, and Cash App Taxes auto-fill returns from W-2s, 1099s, and bank data

AI tax assistants answer questions, find deductions, and optimize returns in real-time

Direct IRS e-filing eliminates need for intermediary preparers

Free File Alliance offers free AI-powered tax prep for 70% of taxpayers

Career Transitions

Safe career paths based on your existing skills

Enrolled Agent

35%
Salary Change +60%
Skill Overlap 80%
Time to Transition 6-12 months

Skills to Learn

IRS RepresentationComplex ReturnsAudit DefenseTax Law

Tax Accountant (CPA)

30%
Salary Change +85%
Skill Overlap 75%
Time to Transition 2-4 years

Skills to Learn

CPA LicenseTax PlanningBusiness TaxAdvisory

Financial Planner

25%
Salary Change +70%
Skill Overlap 60%
Time to Transition 12-24 months

Skills to Learn

CFP CertificationInvestment PlanningRetirementClient Relations

Recommended Courses

Start your transition today with these courses

IRS Credential

Enrolled Agent Exam Prep

Surgent

Duration 3 months
Price $749
Rating β˜… 4.8

Skills You'll Learn

IRS ProceduresIndividual TaxBusiness TaxTax Law
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Gold Standard

CPA Exam Preparation

Becker

Duration 12-18 months
Price $2,999
Rating β˜… 4.7

Skills You'll Learn

AuditFinancial AccountingRegulationBusiness Concepts
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Tax Planning Strategies

AICPA

Duration 20 hours
Price $349
Rating β˜… 4.6

Skills You'll Learn

Estate PlanningBusiness Tax StrategyInternational TaxRetirement
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