Most Americans dread their annual income tax returns. The exceptions are the men and women who have made tax form preparation their occupation. Tax preparers take information from clients and fill out the forms. Some do it manually, others use computers.

Most tax preparers work on personal income tax forms. Business returns require more experience, college education, professional credentials, and supervision by controllers or certified public accountants. Tax preparers need a high school diploma or equivalent. The work demands attention to detail, mathematical ability, good penmanship and computer literacy.

Large tax preparation firms offer courses for seasonal candidates. The equivalent of a college course on taxes, they review changes to taxpayer obligations and deductions. The work of tax preparers is usually seasonal, requiring long hours between February 1st and April 15th.

Most tax preparers have other careers and some are college students or retirees. If you are looking for a seasonal job and have an aptitude for math or accounting, consider a job as a tax preparer.