# PDF to Text for tax preparers

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/tax-preparers/pdf-to-text_

Arthize lets tax professionals extract text from a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere.

## Why tax preparers extract text from a PDF

A tax preparer merges the return with its schedules and supporting documents into one client file, extracts figures from a PDF form into a worksheet, and password-protects the final package.

**Built for tax returns.** Whether it's tax returns, W-2s and 1099s, schedules, Arthize's pdf to text keeps the work inside your private workspace. Returns contain Social Security numbers and income data; private processing and deletion are essential.

## What matters when you extract text from a PDF

Text extraction gives you the raw words without layout.

Scanned PDFs are OCR'd first so the text comes through.

It is the quickest way to reuse PDF content in another tool.

## How to extract text from a PDF

1. **Open the convert tool** — Sign in, open Convert and choose Text.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the PDF; scans are OCR'd first.
3. **Convert** — Arthize pulls the text into a plain .txt file.
4. **Download** — Get the extracted text ready to paste anywhere.

## FAQ

### How do tax preparers extract text from a PDF for free?

Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why tax professionals can use it for tax returns without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to extract text from a PDF sensitive tax returns?

Yes. Returns contain Social Security numbers and income data; private processing and deletion are essential. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I extract text from a PDF?

Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Can I get text out of a scanned PDF?

Converting PDF to text extracts the raw words into a plain .txt file, OCRing scans first, so you can reuse the content anywhere. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.