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Tax Preparers

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

What you’d do

  • Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
  • Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
  • Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
  • Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
  • Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
  • Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
  • Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.

Skills that matter

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Time Management

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
  • Enrolled Agent
  • Tax Advisor
  • Tax Preparer
  • Income Tax Preparer
  • Tax Accountant

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