Tax preparers prepare tax returns, and help individuals and small business put their documents in order to make filing taxes as accurate and efficient as possible. Preparers begin by interviewing clients about their taxable income, deductible expenses, and any allowances they may be eligible for. Their goal is to minimize their client’s tax bill, while ensuring all tax laws are obeyed. Preparers use the information from their interviews and client records to complete all necessary tax forms, compute taxes owed or returns due to be refunded, and then give clients instructions for filing their taxes correctly. Often, tax preparers file forms electronically on behalf of their clients. For clients with unusual returns or complicated business affairs, preparers may consult tax law handbooks and bulletins to determine the correct procedure, and explain applicable laws to clients. They also help clients with future tax planning. Tax preparers typically work in offices where they meet with clients. Work schedules often exceed 40 hours a week and are busier as the mid-April tax deadline approaches. Tax preparers are trained on the job and typically need a high school diploma. Some positions may also require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
What they do:
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
On the job, you would:
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
Business
customer service
accounting and economics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Safety and Government
law and government
Basic Skills
reading work related information
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
read and understand what is written
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
Ideas and Logic
use rules to solve problems
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Self Control
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Tax preparation software
ATX Total Tax Office
CCH ProSystem fx TAX
Financial analysis software
Sales Tax Tools Sales Tax Researcher
Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
Accounting software
ATX Total Accounting Office
Intuit QuickBooks
high school diploma/GED or bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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