13-2082.00 Bright OutlookApprenticeship

Tax Preparers

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Career Cluster:Financial Services
Job Family:Business and Financial Operations
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

Intuit QuickBooksMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

Key Tasks

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

Skills

Reading Comprehension
75%
Active Listening
72%
Critical Thinking
63%
Speaking
53%
Time Management
53%
Active Learning
53%
Service Orientation
50%
Mathematics
50%
Writing
50%
Monitoring
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Complex Problem Solving
47%
Coordination
44%
Instructing
44%
Learning Strategies
44%
Persuasion
41%
Negotiation
38%
Systems Analysis
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
25%
Systems Evaluation
25%
Operations Analysis
19%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Quality Control Analysis
16%
Programming
13%
Management of Material Resources
13%
Technology Design
10%
Operations Monitoring
3%
Repairing
0%
Operation and Control
0%
Troubleshooting
0%
Installation
0%
Science
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

Economics and Accounting
73%
English Language
69%
Customer and Personal Service
68%
Mathematics
65%
Law and Government
64%
Computers and Electronics
62%
Administrative
56%
Education and Training
41%
Telecommunications
39%
Communications and Media
38%
Administration and Management
37%
Personnel and Human Resources
29%
Psychology
26%
Public Safety and Security
23%
Sales and Marketing
22%
Production and Processing
14%
Foreign Language
12%
Engineering and Technology
11%
Therapy and Counseling
11%
Sociology and Anthropology
10%
Geography
8%
Transportation
5%
History and Archeology
4%
Medicine and Dentistry
4%
Mechanical
3%
Philosophy and Theology
3%
Design
3%
Food Production
1%
Building and Construction
1%
Physics
1%
Fine Arts
0%
Biology
0%
Chemistry
0%

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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
75%
Near Vision
72%
Oral Expression
72%
Written Comprehension
72%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Inductive Reasoning
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Number Facility
56%
Category Flexibility
53%
Speech Clarity
53%
Selective Attention
50%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Problem Sensitivity
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Mathematical Reasoning
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Written Expression
50%
Originality
41%
Speed of Closure
31%
Far Vision
25%
Visualization
25%
Time Sharing
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Memorization
25%
Visual Color Discrimination
22%
Finger Dexterity
19%
Hearing Sensitivity
16%
Auditory Attention
16%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
13%
Trunk Strength
10%
Manual Dexterity
10%
Control Precision
3%
Sound Localization
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Depth Perception
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
92%
Getting Information
89%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
87%
Processing Information
81%
Documenting/Recording Information
81%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
74%
Analyzing Data or Information
72%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
72%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
72%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
70%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
69%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
66%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
62%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
62%
Scheduling Work and Activities
61%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
60%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
58%
Performing Administrative Activities
56%
Training and Teaching Others
54%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
51%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
48%
Assisting and Caring for Others
45%
Thinking Creatively
43%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
43%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
41%
Developing and Building Teams
41%
Coaching and Developing Others
39%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
39%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
38%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
33%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
32%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
30%
Controlling Machines and Processes
29%
Selling or Influencing Others
25%
Staffing Organizational Units
20%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
19%
Handling and Moving Objects
16%
Performing General Physical Activities
11%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
7%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
0%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
0%

Work Context

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

98%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

86%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

86%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

85%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

81%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

78%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

76%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

75%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

71%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

69%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

67%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

67%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

65%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

65%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

64%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

60%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

60%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

55%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

53%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

47%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

45%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

44%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

40%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

39%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

37%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

36%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

35%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

30%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

24%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

23%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

16%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

16%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

15%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

12%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

11%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

8%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

8%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

7%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

6%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

5%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

5%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

4%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

4%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

1%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

1%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

1%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

0%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

0%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

0%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

38%

Post-secondary certificate

24%

Bachelor's degree

24%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

94

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

42

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

24

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

23

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

16

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
88%
Cautiousness
75%
Integrity
74%
Achievement Orientation
53%
Cooperation
47%
Self-Control
47%
Social Orientation
44%
Self-Confidence
42%
Stress Tolerance
42%
Perseverance
40%
Intellectual Curiosity
37%
Sincerity
35%
Adaptability
30%
Initiative
28%
Empathy
26%
Humility
24%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
21%
Optimism
13%
Leadership Orientation
4%
Innovation
1%

Work Values

Relationships
61%
Independence
45%
Support
45%
Achievement
39%
Recognition
39%
Working Conditions
39%

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