Tax Preparers Go Back to List Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Project management software

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.
	Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Skills
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
	Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
	Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.

Knowledge
	Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
	English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
	Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

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Education & Training   Education:   Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.   Related Experience:   Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $51,769.00 $24.89  $16.88  $18.53 - $31.20  Bridgeport/Stamford $56,788.00 $27.31  $17.44  $19.63 - $35.41  Hartford $48,931.00 $23.53  $16.93  $18.47 - $27.75  New London/Norwich $48,204.00 $23.17  $16.91  $18.52 - $26.59

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   77   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.