How to Become a Tax Preparer From Home

Have you ever wondered how some people make consistent income every year — right from their home — just by helping others file their taxes? It is more possible than you think, and it does not require a college degree, an accounting background, or years of experience to get started.

In this guide we are going to walk you through exactly how to become a tax preparer from home, what you need to get started, and how to build it into a real income skill that pays you every single tax season.

What Does a Tax Preparer Do?

A tax preparer helps individuals and businesses file their federal and state tax returns accurately and on time. As a professional tax preparer you will gather your client's financial documents, enter their information into tax software, identify deductions and credits they qualify for, and submit their return to the IRS on their behalf.

Tax preparers work year round but the bulk of the work happens between January and April — which means many tax professionals earn significant income in just a few months.

Can You Really Do This From Home?

Yes — and thousands of people do it every year. With professional tax software, secure document collection tools, and virtual communication, you can serve clients entirely online without ever meeting them in person. Many successful tax preparers operate completely from home, setting their own hours and building their own client base.

Step 1 — Get Your PTIN

The very first thing you need to legally prepare taxes for compensation in the United States is a PTIN — Preparer Tax Identification Number. This is issued by the IRS and it is required for anyone who is paid to prepare or assist in preparing federal tax returns.

Getting your PTIN is straightforward. Go to the IRS website at irs.gov, create an account, complete the PTIN application and pay the registration fee, and receive your PTIN number — usually within minutes. Your PTIN must be renewed every year.

Get Into Taxes includes PTIN registration guidance in our Foundation Package so you are never figuring this out alone.

Step 2 — Get Proper Training

Having a PTIN makes you legal — but training makes you effective, confident, and professional. This is where most people go wrong. They watch a few YouTube videos, buy a cheap course, and try to figure it out on their own. That leads to mistakes, compliance issues, and frustrated clients.

Real tax preparation training should cover filing statuses, types of income and how each is taxed, standard vs itemized deductions, tax credits, common schedules, self-employment income, due diligence requirements, and IRS compliance.

At Get Into Taxes our Foundation Package includes a 13-week core tax prep training designed to take you from beginner to confident preparer — step by step, with real mentorship along the way.

Step 3 — Choose Your Tax Software

Professional tax preparers use specialized software to prepare and e-file returns. Popular professional tax software options include TaxSlayer Pro, OLT Professional, and CrossLink.

Get Into Taxes provides access to professional tax software as part of every partnership package so you are not navigating this alone or paying for it out of pocket before you have even started.

Step 4 — Set Up Your Home Office

Working from home as a tax preparer does not require a lot of space but it does require the right setup. At a minimum you will need a reliable computer, stable internet, a printer and scanner, a secure way to receive client documents, a professional email address, and a dedicated phone number for your tax business.

Step 5 — Learn How to Get Clients

Start with your network. Tell family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors what you do. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to post educational content about tax tips and deadlines. Create a free Google Business profile so people can find you when they search "tax preparer near me." Ask happy clients for referrals — word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools a home-based tax preparer has.

Step 6 — Stay Compliant Every Year

Tax law changes every year. The Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) is a voluntary IRS program that allows non-credentialed preparers to complete continuing education hours each year. Completing the AFSP gives you limited representation rights before the IRS and signals to clients that you take your profession seriously.

Get Into Taxes includes AFSP in every partnership package.

How Much Can You Make?

The national average for basic tax return preparation ranges from $150 to $400 per return depending on complexity and location. If you prepare just 50 returns in a season at $200 each — that is $10,000 in one tax season. Many preparers serve far more than that. And because tax season repeats every year the clients you build this year come back next year and bring others with them.

Ready to Get Started?

Join the Get Into Taxes mentorship program and learn how to enter the tax industry the right way — legally, ethically, and with the support of experienced professionals who are invested in your success. No prior experience required. A PTIN is required to get started.

Visit GetIntoTaxes.com to join the waitlist today.