Tax Consultant Salary and Job Description

Only about 2% of Americans who file taxes are considered proficient in tax literacy, according to a 2024 study by nonprofit research group Tax Foundation. The same study also found that higher proficiency in tax literacy directly correlates with higher earnings. 

Given this literacy gap, it’s perhaps no surprise that many individuals and organizations need assistance with reducing their tax obligations. Tax consultants help address this issue by offering expertise gained through education, such as a master’s degree in taxation, to locate deductions that individuals and businesses may miss. To earn a tax consultant’s salary, tax professionals must have a deep understanding of tax law, accounting, and financial management, as well as soft skills, such as interpersonal skills.

What Is a Tax Consultant?

Tax consultants help clients prepare and file their tax returns while aiming to reduce their tax obligations. They share duties with tax preparers, but also use their knowledge of tax law to guide clients toward ways to reduce taxes and increase savings.

Tax consultants are often self-employed, though they can also work at tax consulting firms, government organizations, corporate tax offices, and nonprofits. They may specialize in particular taxation needs, such as working solely with individuals or with for-profit organizations.

Tax Consultant Job Description

Common duties and responsibilities of tax consultants include the following:

• Meeting with clients regarding taxable income
• Identifying potential deductions
• Preparing tax returns to minimize obligations
• Working on complex tax issues, such as capital gains
• Planning for retirement while minimizing tax liability
• Advising clients on taxation changes due to life events, such as marriage or inheritance
• Recommending ways to improve tax filings

Tax Consultant Salary and Job Outlook

The median annual salary for tax consultants was about $72,500 as of March 2025, according to Payscale. Beyond their base salary, some tax consultants may be eligible for total compensation packages including bonuses and profit sharing. Tax consultants are considered a type of personal financial advisor, a field that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports is experiencing high growth. The BLS projects positions for personal financial advisors to increase by 17% between 2023 and 2033, far outpacing the national average.

Working as a tax consultant can also be a stepping stone to senior positions, such as tax manager. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for tax managers was approximately $108,000 as of March 2025.

How to Become a Tax Consultant

To earn a tax consultant’s salary, professionals must first acquire the right training and expertise. This training requires a specific educational foundation as well as additional licenses.

Required Education and Experience

At minimum, tax consultants need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a similar field. However, because tax consultants are expected to have extensive knowledge regarding tax compliance and preparation, many clients and employers prefer tax professionals who have a master’s degree in taxation or accounting. 

Tax consultants may also consider earning either a certified public accountant (CPA) license or an enrolled agent license, which requires experience in tax law. These licenses aren’t always required, but some agencies and organizations prefer to hire consultants who hold them, particularly the CPA license. Tax consultants who intend to prepare taxes, as most tax consultants do, must also register with the IRS to obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). 

Required Skills

The skills needed to succeed as a tax consultant include the following:

• Financial management: Tax consultants must have a deep understanding of finances to assess clients’ fiscal circumstances and recommend strategies to reduce their tax obligations.
• Tax law expertise: Extensive knowledge in tax law is what separates tax preparers from tax consultants. Taxation consultants apply their expertise in tax law to diverse client circumstances to ensure compliance while limiting the tax burden.
• Attention to detail: Tax consultants should have strong analytical skills and the ability to study clients’ financial records to identify deduction opportunities.
• Communication: Tax consultants work closely with clients to learn about their financial histories, which requires strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Prepare for a Career as a Tax Consultant With Bryant University

Tax consultants prevent individuals, businesses, and other organizations from leaving money on the table. The Tax Foundation reports that more than half of Americans believe that they’re paying too much in federal income taxes—and they may be right, considering that many Americans are unaware of the deductions they could be taking. Many reports suggest that the average taxpayer is missing out on several deductions every tax season.

With an Online Master of Science (MS) in Taxation from Bryant University, students can prepare to become tax consultants who help individuals and corporations discover ways to reduce their tax obligations. Through classes such as Tax Practice and Procedure, International Tax Practice, and Income Taxation of Estates and Trusts, students learn the skills needed to guide their clients toward more efficient and money-saving tax filings. Learn at your own pace with small classes, one-on-one mentoring, and supportive instructors. 

Find out how Bryant can help you advance your career today.