Becoming a Tax Consultant
In the words of Ben Franklin, “nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Many Americans find it difficult to navigate complex tax laws on their own. To save time and stress, they choose to hire a professional consultant. A qualified tax consultant can help reduce a person’s liability by finding deductions and advising them on how to protect their assets. Some consultants specialize in specific fields, while others offer general services to all types of clients. The best tax consultants have a thorough understanding of the tax code and extensive experience in strategic tax planning.
Most tax consultants possess at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and are registered with the IRS to file taxes. They also have a minimum of three years of tax preparation experience. Some have advanced degrees and hold a certification as certified public accountants or enrolled agents. This allows them to provide additional expertise in tax law and prepare more complex financial documents.
To be a successful tax consultant, one must have excellent analytical thinking skills and be able to effectively communicate with clients. They should be able to understand their clients’ financial goals and explain complicated tax codes in a way that is easily understood. They must also be able to identify potential savings opportunities for their clients and ensure compliance with tax laws.
A tax consultant may work for a private practice, an accounting firm or a large corporation. In addition to their regular duties, they may be called upon to review online tax return filings prepared by other professionals. This helps ensure that all information is accurate and that the client will not face a penalty if an error occurs during the filing process.
If you are interested in becoming a tax consultant, look for an accredited school that offers courses leading to the ACAT exam. Many community colleges and universities offer certificate programs in accounting or taxation that provide you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to become a professional. In-person courses are usually held during the evening or on weekends and can be completed in as little as a year.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, a tax consultant should have a good understanding of common software programs used in the industry. These include accounting and taxation software, such as QuickBooks, Peachtree, Sage 50, ATX Tax, and Drake Tax. Organizational skills are also important, as tax consultants often manage files for multiple clients. This requires them to organize files in an efficient system and efficiently access them when needed. In addition, they should be able to handle confidential and sensitive information in a discreet manner. They must also be dedicated to continuing education and be aware of changes to tax law throughout the year. Steuerberater Hattingen