Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses but do not have the background or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant.

Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures. Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables. 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 in order to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns. Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum. Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required. Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins in order to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns. Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice in order to ensure correct tax form completion.

Mathematics -- Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. Economics and Accounting -- Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. Law and Government -- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. Clerical -- Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Mathematics -- Using mathematics to solve problems. Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively. Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Mathematical Reasoning -- The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. Oral Comprehension -- The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Deductive Reasoning -- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Oral Expression -- The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Written Comprehension -- The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Near Vision -- The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Information Ordering -- The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Processing Information -- Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. Getting Information -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Performing Administrative Activities -- Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. Documenting/Recording Information -- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. Communicating with Persons Outside Organization -- Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.