Becoming a Tax Analyst: Job Description, Salary & Career Path

<h2 id="section---CareerAtAGlance"> Career at a Glance</h2> <p>Tax analysts help companies and individuals interpret and comply with local, state, federal and international tax legislations, and ensure that clients don't pay more taxes than necessary. Find out what you need to study and obtain certification in for a successful career as a tax analyst. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td> Accounting, business administration</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Key Skills</b></td><td> Analytical, attention to detail, communication, numeracy, time management, problem-solving, computer literacy</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Licensure or Certification</b></td><td> Pass Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 7% (accountants and auditors)*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Annual Wage (2020)</b></td><td> $73,560 (accountants and auditors)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoesATaxAnalystDo">What Does a Tax Analyst Do?</h3> <p>Tax analysts prepare monthly, quarterly and yearly tax filings; research tax-related issues; ensure compliance with state, federal or international tax legislations; and prepare for tax audits. </p> <p>They also advise companies on tax issues and explain relevant taxation regulations in a clear and understandable manner to clients. </p> <h3 id="section---WhereCanTaxAnalystsWork">Where Can Tax Analysts Work?</h3> <p>Tax analysts may work for individuals and companies, be employed by public accounting firms or law offices, or run their own independent consulting business. </p> <p>As a tax analyst you can also specialize in particular areas such as auditing or international taxation. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatEducationDoINeedToBecomeATaxAnalyst">What Education Do I Need to Become a Tax Analyst?</h3> <p>To become a tax analyst, you need to complete a bachelor's degree program in accounting. Subjects you'll study typically include corporate taxation, individual taxation, auditing, finance for business and accounting research. </p> <p>Some employers prefer a master's degree, but it is not required to become an accountant. However, you might need it to make up the required semester hours to become a Certified Public Accountant. </p> <h3 id="section---DoINeedAdditionalCertification">Do I Need Additional Certification?</h3> <p>While you don't need additional certification to get started in your career, any accountant wanting to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) needs to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This highly recognized and respected certification also enhances credibility and gives you an edge over the competition. </p> <p>In order to become a CPA, you have to pass a CPA exam with a minimum score of 75 on a scale from 1 to 99. You also have to sit an ethics exam with the American Institute of CPAs. </p> <p>In most states you also have to earn 150 credit hours. This is more than a traditional four-year bachelor's degree. In order to meet this requirement, some universities offer combined bachelor's and master's programs. </p> <p>Lastly you have you complete work experience, which can range from six months to two years, with the exact requirements varying from state to state. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIncomeAndJobGrowthCanIExpect">What Income and Job Growth Can I Expect?</h3> <p>The median salary for accountants and auditors, which includes tax analysts, is $73,560 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. </p> <p>Meanwhile <i>PayScale.com</i> puts the median annual salary for tax analysts at $59,458, and the median salary for mid-career tax analysts at $62,027 as of 2021. </p> <p>Job growth for accountants and auditors between 2020 and 2030 is forecast at 7%, which is the same as the average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.</p>