Description
Prepare and file accurate federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals and businesses, ensuring compliance with current tax laws, maximizing eligible credits and deductions, and advising clients on payments, refunds, and year-round tax planning.
- • Gather client tax information, including income, deductions, and credits through interviews and organizers.
- • Request and review supporting documents such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and financial statements.
- • Prepare and e-file federal, state, and local tax returns in accordance with laws and regulations.
- • Calculate tax liabilities or refunds and explain results and options to clients.
- • Identify, document, and substantiate eligible deductions and credits.
- • Verify taxpayer identities, Social Security numbers or EINs, and filing status.
- • Enter and validate data in tax software and reconcile figures to source documents.
- • Review returns for accuracy, completeness, and potential audit risks before submission.
- • Maintain organized client files, workpapers, and contact histories.
- • Stay current on tax law changes and accounting procedures affecting return preparation.
- • Analyze bookkeeping records and financial statements to prepare business and self-employment schedules.
- • Prepare extensions and amended returns as needed.
- • Advise clients on estimated tax payments, withholding adjustments, and deadlines to avoid penalties.
- • Respond to IRS and state notices on behalf of clients with proper authorization.
- • Assist clients in organizing records for audits and provide explanations of return positions within allowed practice rights.
- • Reconcile prior-year balances and notices and recommend steps to resolve issues.
- • Obtain required signatures and e-file authorization forms, and provide clients with copies of filed returns.
- • Protect client data and maintain confidentiality in accordance with firm and regulatory policies.
- • Provide checklists and reminders for missing information and upcoming filing or payment dates.
- • Support year-round tax planning, including life-event and multi-state considerations.
- • Communicate clearly with clients and answer questions about forms, schedules, and next steps.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
