A tax consultant is more than a preparer or someone who signs financial documents; they serve the interests of their clients. To do that, they must have a thorough understanding of local, regional, and federal tax law.
They also need to be well-versed in accounting, business strategy, and financial analysis. Often, tax consultants work with both large and small businesses in a variety of industries. For that reason, they need to be flexible and capable of adapting to their clients’ needs.
As a result, they need strong verbal and written communication skills so they can explain complicated legal matters in ways that are easy for their clients to understand. They must also be able to organize both physical and digital files in an efficient manner to keep track of all the information they’re handling.
Another important aspect of a tax consultant’s job is ensuring compliance with government regulations and filing deadlines. They can do this by assessing the financial status of their clients, researching and filing relevant paperwork, and acting as a client representative in audits.
To become a tax consultant, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in a field like finance, accounting, or business administration. Many of them also have a CPA credential from their state’s Board of Accountancy or are enrolled agents (EA). If you want to advance in the field, pursuing postgraduate education is possible as well. However, you should be careful to choose a program that fits your career goals. Steuerberater