The Tax Preparer prepares tax returns for individuals, companies, or organizations under the supervision of a certified public accountant. The Tax Preparer may also assist accountants with preparation of returns for complex businesses, trusts, and nonprofit organizations.
Key Responsibilities
- Delivers comprehensive tax documentation required for accurate individual and corporate returns
- Prepares income tax return forms for businesses and individuals
- Helps taxpayers by using their federal, state and local codes and see to it that clients receive the maximum benefit permitted under the law of government
- Consults with clients to develop a basic understanding of their financial affairs and the scope of their tax liabilities
- Signs income tax returns on behalf of individual and business clients
- Reviews previous tax returns and financial documents to identify missing or incomplete information or documentation
- Interviews clients to get information on deductible expenses, allowances and taxable income
- Consults with clients to assess and mitigate future tax liabilities and determine eligibility for tax abatement
- Reviews financial records such as income statements and documentation of expenditures
- Maintains understanding and knowledge of changes in tax law by reading professional literature or attending tax seminars and training courses
Job Requirements/Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field such as business administration, finance, statistics, actuarial science or economics
- Associates degree or tax preparation training highly preferred
- Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) designation from the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT)
- Certification from the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
Skills needed for this role
Tax Preparer should be knowledgeable of legislation and regulations, provide excellent service to clients, and maintain the high standard set by the organization. Ultimately, a top tax preparer will be detail-oriented with excellent oral and written communication skills to handle correspondence from clients and tax authorities.
Career Level
1-4 Years Experienced Employee
Job Specializations
Accounting/Finance, Audit & Taxation