National

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses but do not have the background or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant.

Sample of reported job titles: Tax Preparer, Tax Advisor, Tax Associate, Tax Consultant, Tax Specialist, Income Tax Preparer, Paraprofessional, Certified Income Tax Preparer (CTP), Corporate Tax Preparer

Tasks

• Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
• Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
• Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
• 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.
• 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.
• Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
• Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.

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Tools & Technology

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