Tax Preparers
Enrolled Agent, Tax Advisor, Tax Consultant, Tax Preparer
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.
Knowledge
Business
- customer service
- accounting and economics
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Safety and Government
- law and government
Skills
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
Abilities
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
Personality
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
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Tax software
Tax preparation software
- Intuit TurboTax
- Petz Enterprises V-Tax
Financial analysis software
- Sungard Relius
- Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
Education
Education: (rated 3 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
bachelor's degree
usually needed
bachelor's degree
usually needed
Job Outlook
Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Explore More
- Accountants & Auditors
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, & Auditing Clerks
- Credit Analysts
- Personal Financial Advisors
- Tax Examiners & Collectors, & Revenue Agents
You might like a career in one of these industries:
See more details at O*NET OnLine about tax preparers.