Tax Preparers
What is a Tax Preparer?
A tax preparer is a professional who assists individuals and businesses in preparing and filing their tax returns. Their primary role is to ensure that clients accurately report their income, claim deductions and credits, and comply with tax laws and regulations. Tax preparers may work independently, for accounting firms, or within government agencies. They stay updated on federal, state, and local tax laws to provide clients with the most accurate advice possible. A tax preparer's work often involves gathering financial information, completing tax forms, conducting audits, and providing guidance on tax planning and strategies. With the complexities of tax regulations, having a skilled tax preparer can help clients minimize tax liabilities and avoid issues with tax authorities.
Tasks
- 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.
- Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
- Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Technology Skills
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Accounting software
- QuickBooks Online
- M8 Client Billing
- Quicken
- Tax software
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Tax preparation software
- Wolters Kluwer ATX Professional
- Thomson Reuters UltraTax CS
- TurboTax
- Petz Enterprises V-Tax
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Financial analysis software
- Datair Employee Benefits Systems
- Sales Tax Tools Sales Tax Researcher
- Sungard Relius
- Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
- Thomson GoSystem MyTaxInfo
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Tools Used
- Desktop calculator
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Notebook computers
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Desktop computers
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Economics and Accounting
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Bachelor's degree
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Detailed Work Activities
- Calculate tax information.
- Examine financial records.
- Interview clients to gather financial information.
- Advise others on financial matters.
- Verify accuracy of records.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Enterprising
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$29170.0 - $98810.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.