Tasks & work activities — tax advisor

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 13-2082.00 (Tax Preparers).

Task statements

[Core] Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
[Core] Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
[Core] Schedule appointments with clients.
[Core] Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
[Core] Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
[Core] Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
[Core] Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
[Core] Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
[Core] Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
[Core] Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
[Core] Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
[Core] Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.