TAX PREPARER

Job Definition:

Job Description:

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

Duties and Tasks:

• 1) Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
• 2) Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
• 3) Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
• 4) Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
• 5) Review financial records such as income statements and documentation of expenditures in order to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
• 6) Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients’ taxes to a minimum.
• 7) Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
• 8) Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins in order to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.

Activities:

• 1) Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 2) Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• 3) Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• 4) Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• 5) Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Abilities:

• 1) Number Facility — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
• 2) Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
• 3) Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• 4) Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• 5) Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Knowledge:

• Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.