Someone who has experience preparing taxes provides your company with a great asset. They have completed the state’s minimum requirements for the position and are familiar with tax laws. You want a candidate who is interested in continuing their education and who stays abreast of the latest tax regulations and codes. They may have completed formal training through a community college or other local program. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience preparing tax returns for consumers and businesses
• At least a high school diploma
• Ability to meet the state’s certification or licensing requirements

Someone who has prepared tax returns for a more modest company will assess how the owner uses their profits and operates their business. They know what deductions are legal to maximize the client’s refund. You want a candidate who researches expenses and helps taxpayers use all options available to them in order to reduce their tax implications. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience identifying deductions for taxpayers
• Understanding of how home-based or sole proprietor businesses operate
• Familiarity with all applicable tax codes

Someone who has completed tax assessments and managed investigations knows where to find problems. They research tax records to find discrepancies that lead to charges of tax evasion and unethical practices of previous CPAs or preparation services. You want a preparer who is familiar with codes and laws that could work against your company. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience participating in a tax audit
• Ability to research tax trends that maximize tax refunds
• Advice to help taxpayers prepare for the following tax year

Someone who has years of experience managing tax returns has set up payment arrangements for clients previously. They identify the best ways to settle a debt and prevent more serious repercussions for your business. You want a candidate who takes a more proactive approach when you owe money to the IRS. Someone who anticipates future tax implications and sets up a plan to prevent penalties will benefit your organization. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience setting up installment plans and settlements
• Understanding of the legal ramifications of tax liens
• Desire to help clients avoid additional costs

Someone who knows how to maximize tax refunds knows that the filing status determines if the taxpayer qualifies for earned income credit and additional deductions. They review options for clients that reduce tax payments and allow the filer to decrease their gross adjusted income if possible. Look for a tax preparer candidate who understands the nuances of tax law and knows that no tax approach is one-size-fits-all. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience filing different types of tax returns
• Ability to identify the best solution for all clients
• Committment to ensure that all tax laws are followed

A tax preparer can significantly contribute to building a company's client base. This question can be used to evaluate a candidate's knowledge of customer expectations for this position . An ideal tax preparer candidate can clearly articulate a viable strategy for bringing more customers into the firm.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

• Strategy, communication and leadership skills
• Ability to address customer expectations via strategy
• Evidence of suitability for a long-term position

An example answer to this question could look like this: