A tax consultant provides advice on tax law, prepares taxes for individuals and businesses, and works with clients during an IRS audit. He or she also advises on tax-saving strategies. This career requires strong analytical and research skills, excellent organization and communication abilities, and a thorough knowledge of the tax laws that apply to each client’s situation. A degree in accounting or a related field is usually required for this position. An associate degree in accounting can prepare a person to begin working as a tax consultant, while a bachelor’s or master’s degree is often preferred for those who want to specialize in specific areas of the field, like business tax or international taxation.
Individuals can find a tax consultant through a referral from a friend or relative, a recommendation from a financial professional, or an online directory of professionals. A prospective client can also contact the local IRS to verify a tax consultant’s credentials and qualifications before hiring him or her. It is important that a person who hires a tax consultant understand the fees associated with the service, as charges vary widely and can depend on several factors, including location and how complex the client’s tax situation is.
The main responsibilities of a tax consultant involve researching and reviewing the financial information of his or her clients to determine potential deductions and areas for savings. He or she must then use this information to assist the client in filing the correct tax forms. This is typically done in person, although a consultant can offer remote services for his or her clients.
Tax consultants must have excellent organizational skills to manage the large amount of paper work that is involved in this job. In addition, they must be able to process large amounts of data quickly and accurately. This is particularly important during busy times of the year, such as income tax filing season in the U.S., which typically runs from January through mid-April. This is when most people will file their taxes, and many will need assistance in completing the paperwork correctly.
Those who own a business will often seek the help of a tax consultant to reduce their business’s tax liability. This can be achieved through various methods, such as taking advantage of tax deductions for new equipment or lowering payroll taxes through 401(k) contributions. A tax consultant can also help businesses with their bookkeeping, which includes preparing financial statements and analyzing budgets.
There are a variety of situations in which a person may need the services of a tax consultant. These can include a change in his or her taxable status due to life changes, such as a marriage, divorce, birth or death of a loved one. A person might also need a tax consultant if he or she receives a large inheritance, which can have complicated implications for tax laws. Steuerberater