Tax Preparers

What does a professional in this career do?

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

In this job you will...

  • 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.
  • Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
  • Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
  • Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
  • Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
  • Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
  • Schedule appointments with clients.

Skills You Will Gain

Deductions and Credits
Tax Code
Tax Forms and Filings

Representative Journeys