What does a Tax Accountant do?
A tax accountant plays a vital role in preparing and submitting tax forms. Additionally, a tax accountant analyzes financial information and assist all departments are well-informed of the current best practices in the field of accounting. A tax accountant is valuable to the accounting and finance department as they have formal education and training in how to properly account for company expenses and the correct way to file yearly tax forms.
Tax Accountants require specialized training and must hold at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Additional certification, such as a Certified Public Accountant license is generally required for higher level positions. A tax accountant will organize and analyze spending and seek to increase write-offs and lower the businesses taxable profit. Due to the financial and personal nature of the position, a tax accountant must possess both personal integrity and meticulous attention to detail.
- Review and verify tax forms completed by clients to ensure their proper submission
- Properly research and seek the advice of senior-level accountants when confronted with particularly challenging or unusual tax circumstances
- Gather appropriate materials regarding yearly tax tables, instructions and forms to accurately calculate taxes for clients
- Work closely with clients to obtain personal information regarding potential deductions, educational grants or allowances
- Inform clients of important paperwork and documentation needed to complete tax forms accurately
- Meet with clients and address their questions and concerns regarding tax forms and paperwork
- Review financial statements, expenses and previous tax returns to identify the best strategy for completing future returns
- Organize and prepare income tax forms for businesses and individuals in preparation for yearly filing
- Bachelor's degree in Finance of Accounting
- Certification Public Accountant license is generally preferred
- Professional experience working with confidential and sensitive information
- Experience managing business paperwork and accounting for a large company
- Knowledge of state and federal tax form processes and how to accurately properly prepare forms for each
- Ability to communicate effectively and keep all departments aware of necessary documentation and paperwork
- Professional understanding of the best accounting strategies and advanced mathematical skills
- Experience consulting tax handbooks or other printed materials to determine the proper procedures for preparing advanced level returns
- Skilled using tax preparation software and experience in troubleshooting common tax program challenges
How much does a Tax Accountant make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$73,255
/ yrTax Accountant Career Path
Learn how to become a Tax Accountant, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Tax Accountant Insights
Azets“Progression and career prospects are stunted and remuneration packages are extremely uncompetitive compared within the industry.”
PwC“3. Career growth and development especially if you want to pursue the public accounting career path”
Citco“A great place to work and you will surely learn alot that will contribute to your career growth.”
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)“It’s a great place to learn how to really do your job well and feel good doing it.”
Bloomberg Industry Group“Brand name; build good products; snack room; able to pursue a nontraditional career as a lawyer”
RSM“Loved having a great career advisor to help me get where I want to be.”
Deloitte“So if you don’t have a family this is a a great place to start your career.”
Intuit“My employment at Intuit is by far the best experience I've had in my 22 year tax career.”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Tax Accountant
- Tax Consultant
- Tax Professional
- Tax Manager
- Tax Analyst