Tax Preparer (EA or CPA), Seasonal /3.5 months, 1099, On-site, Returning Option

Tier One Tax is looking to hire an experienced EA or CPA for tax busy season (Jan – Apr). We want this to be a returning 1099 relationship, not a one-season fill-in. We provide an office, computer, and software.

We have worked to build a workplace people actually want to come back to. The office is professional but easygoing: we treat seasonal colleagues as part of the team, not as extra hands for busy season. Questions are welcome, review is constructive, and we plan the work so peak weeks are busy without being chaotic. If you do good work and like the fit, we want you here next season.

Engagement

• Independent contractor (1099).
• On-site in Lone Tree, CO with private office. 
• Busy-season focus: January–April 23, with extension work through October if mutually agreed. Returning contractors get first consideration for returning clients.
• This season’s mix: client meetings and portal returns, including individual, entity, and trust work.
• You own preparation and review of your returns. We are hiring someone whose first-pass work already meets signing standards.
• The office manager sets appointments and routes client communication.

Compensation

• Independent contractor (1099). Pay is 45% of the collected revenue you generate, paid biweekly after the firm collects those fees.
• Estimated busy-season pay: $25,000–$41,000, depending on the number of returns and the mix of fees. Actual pay follows the 45% split and may be higher or lower if volume or fees differ.
• Most 1040s in 2025: $320–$2,313, average $552. At 45%, about $144–$1,041, or about $248 on a typical 1040. A starting-fee 1040 pays $144.
• Most 1120-S returns in 2025: $700–$2,150, average $930. At 45%, about $315–$968, or about $419 on a typical 1120-S.
• Referral bonus of $500–$4,000.
• This is a 1099 independent contractor role, not W-2 employment. The firm does not offer an employee package. Contractors are not enrolled in firm health coverage, paid time off, or any firm-sponsored savings program. You handle your own taxes, coverage, and personal savings.
• No employee benefits. The firm does not provide health insurance, a retirement plan, or paid time off. You are responsible for self-employment tax, insurance, and retirement savings.

What you will do

• Prepare and review federal and state returns: 1040, 1065, 1120-S, 1120, 1041, and 990, including multi-state.
• Add brief planning notes with each return (for example, estimates, entity or salary issues, and year-end actions), not just a completed filing.
• Document each return with a clear, complete tax return, so it is review-ready on first submission and delivered by the agreed deadline.

Requirements

• Active EA or CPA and PTIN.
• 5 recent busy seasons in public practice, with strong experience preparing 1040s and partnership and S corporation returns (1065, 1120-S, and related K-1s).
• Experience reviewing both individual and business returns.
• Comfortable delivering signing-quality work with limited second review.
• Strong technology, research, and organizational skills.
• Clear writing and organized files.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not provide visa sponsorship.
• Drake experience preferred; willing to learn if needed.