Tax preparers are at the forefront of the financial world. Without them, businesses would essentially be left out in the lurch when it comes to handling tax regulations. The sheer weight of accurate filing would consume resources they don’t have, and they’d likely incur a number of unnecessary compliance penalties to add insult to injury.
Enter the tax preparer: These professionals are there for businesses when and where they need them, diving into the meat of their financial operations to find unseen tax opportunities. Few businesses take advantage of all the deductions and credits available to them, but a skilled tax preparer, one educated and certified by programs such as what Intuit offers, can help them achieve that.
What Is a Tax Preparer?
Tax preparers are detail-oriented, ethical professionals who, as the name implies, assist individuals and business clients to efficiently complete their tax returns. Efficiency in this context doesn’t always mean “quickly,” but it does mean accurately and on time. With so many potential Internal Revenue Service (IRS) penalties looming over their heads, businesses can’t afford to prioritize quantity over quality when it comes to their annual tax filings.
A myriad of organizations employ tax preparers, who can be found working alongside large corporate clients and small businesses alike. Accounting firms often employ them to provide expert assistance around tax season, and independent contractors use tax preparers to work out their sometimes-complicated filings.
Tax preparers are prized for their expert accounting skills and immense knowledge of the tax code. They have the technical, mathematical, and ethical skills that organizations need to complete accurate tax returns in compliance with state and federal requirements. Tax preparers are also known for:
- Their ability to maximize credits, deductions, and refunds on tax filings
- Their comprehensive knowledge of where and how businesses can optimize their tax positioning
- Their knowledge of the latest tax software
- Their ability to help guide an organization’s financial trajectory
As you can see, the usefulness of a tax preparer extends well beyond tax season. These professionals have a unique skill set that makes them an asset year-round.
What Does a Tax Preparer Do?
The daily life of a tax preparer falls into a seemingly easygoing routine of financial analysis, report creation, and preparation of statements for their clients. Whether they’re working for individuals or large businesses, tax preparers can expect to spend a lot of time staring at balance sheets and weighing their clients’ fiscal performance. They review W-2s, 1099s, and other documents as part of their payroll assessment and how that can influence tax filings come April.
But the important thing you need to remember is that a tax preparer’s responsibilities don’t begin and end with the balance sheet. With their deep knowledge on state and national tax regulations, tax preparers can help organizations optimize their tax filings and even create thoroughgoing tax strategies well in advance of tax season. They can also field any questions their clients might have about their tax filings, such as which deductions they qualify for.
All this means that tax preparers are trusted financial professionals. Their skills are never truly “complete,” but they’re always developing in the light of the changing regulatory environment. Rather than expecting businesses to stay on top of these changes, tax preparers take that burden on themselves and offer their expertise to their clients. Their skills include:
- Impeccable attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal skills to communicate the complexities of the tax code to non-experts
- Time management and organizational skills — tax preparers need to work under extreme pressure and tight deadlines when tax season rolls around every year
- A willingness to constantly learn new things
Tax preparers can never get comfortable and settle into their knowledge base. There are always continuing professional education requirements for them to follow through on.
It’s clear that tax preparation is a challenging role with great responsibilities. It is, however, a rewarding one, especially for those who appreciate challenges. After all, not every element of the tax code is perfectly clear. Tax preparers sometimes need to deal with confusing rules and conflicting situations to provide an accurate report and avoid an unnecessary audit for their clients.
How to Become a Tax Preparer in Florida
Florida is a state without additional tax preparation educational requirements beyond those required nationally. Technically speaking, you can start working as a tax preparer tomorrow if you have a Preparer Tax Identification Number, but that’s hardly realistic. You have to find a way to gain the knowledge you need to succeed as a tax preparer, and that’s where taking classes becomes necessary.
The right tax preparer course in tax preparation will teach you:
- The fundamentals of tax preparation, including basic accounting principles, necessary tax regulations to understand, and more
- More advanced tax preparation methods, particularly itemized deductions, tax filing for small businesses, and other complex subjects
- Taxation strategies for minimizing a client’s liability
In addition, tax preparers have to learn about the ethics of the profession. This is, after all, a field that deals with sensitive financial documents that reveal the internal operations of an organization at a deep level. Tax preparers need to be trusted with this information, and they must conduct their own due diligence when preparing an accurate filing on a client’s behalf.
Tax Preparer Training
For tax preparers, enrolling in Intuit Academy is one of the best ways to receive comprehensive training in tax preparation. Intuit Academy offers professional certifications, so you’ll be able to start working as an actual tax preparer upon completing the course. In addition, there’s an active and supportive community built up around the program, which can guide you as you start out on your new career as a tax preparer.
Intuit Academy also uses two exams to gauge how well you’ve learned the tax preparation materials offered. Successful completion of these exams gives you a digital certification that qualifies you for real jobs in the field. There’s also an advanced Level 2 certification to propel you even higher.
Current Openings for Tax Preparers
Ready to take the next step? Join Intuit and gain access to top-notch training, resources, and support to help you become a tax expert. Start growing your knowledge and career with the below openings in Florida and beyond.
Tax Associate (Remote/Seasonal)
- Minimum 2 seasons of paid Tax Preparation experience, with a minimum of 30 tax returns per tax year required
- Must be willing and available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week
- Excellent customer service skills are a must, and there is an expectation to interact with customers through video and audio tools in a professional, friendly, and confident manner
- Passionate about helping clients navigate the complexities of taxation
- PTIN required
Credentialed Tax Expert (Remote/Seasonal)
- Minimum 2 seasons of paid Tax Preparation experience, with a minimum of 30 tax returns per tax year required
- Must possess an active, unrestricted credential: EA, CPA, or Practicing Attorney with strong tax preparation experience and extensive knowledge of tax laws
- Must be willing and available to work a minimum of 20 hours per week
- Excellent customer service skills required for professional and friendly interaction with customers through video and audio tools
- Active PTIN required
Business Tax Associate (Remote/Seasonal)
- Minimum 3 or more years of experience preparing federal and state business tax returns (1065 and/or 1120-S) for at least 20 clients/customers per season for compensation
- Must possess or be able to obtain any related State licenses, certificates, permits or bonds
- Commit to a minimum schedule of at least 20 hours/week (minimum 4 hour shift increments) throughout the tax season
- Strong customer service skills for interacting with customers through video and audio tools
- Active PTIN required
Business Tax Expert (Remote/Seasonal)
- Minimum 3 or more years of experience preparing federal and state business tax returns (1065 and/or 1120-S) for at least 20 clients/customers per season for compensation
- Must possess an active, unrestricted credential: EA, CPA, or Practicing Attorney with strong business tax preparation experience and extensive knowledge of tax laws
- Commit to a minimum schedule of at least 20 hours/week (minimum 4 hour shift increments) throughout the tax season
- Strong customer service skills for professional interaction with customers through video and audio tools
- Active PTIN required