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How a tax preparer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 13-2082.00: Tax PreparersMedian pay $54,920/year (BLS, May 2025)12 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Enrolled Agent, Income Tax Preparer, Tax Accountant, Tax Advisor, Tax Associate, Tax Consultant, Tax Preparer, Tax Professional, Tax Specialist.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 57%AI-assist 43%Stays human 0%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 7 AI-ready, 5 AI-assist and 0 human-led tasks out of 12. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.Crunch the numbers · Several times a day
  2. Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.Crunch the numbers · Daily
  3. Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.Crunch the numbers · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

None of this job's listed tasks fall in this group.

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 7

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.

Several times a day

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Situation: [client type, no personal data]
Figures: [income, deductions]

Walk through the calculation with current rules to verify. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Tax calculation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compute taxes owed or overpaid.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Figures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate tax information..

Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.

Daily

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Situation: [client type, no personal data]
Figures: [income, deductions]

Walk through the calculation with current rules to verify. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Tax calculation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use all appropriate adjustments, deductions and credits (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Figures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Recompute every total yourself.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate tax information..

Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Daily

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Situation: [client type, no personal data]
Figures: [income, deductions]

Walk through the calculation with current rules to verify. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Tax calculation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare or assist in preparing simple (today).
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Figures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate tax information..

Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.

Daily

AI is a tireless first-pass checker.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 51% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a tireless proofreader. It catches inconsistencies, missing fields and errors across documents and data, so your review time goes on what matters.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.

Context: We use Tax compliance property tax management software and Laserfiche Avante; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Records: [paste claim, title or file data, private details removed]
What they must match: [source documents, rules]

Compare item by item and list discrepancies, missing items and next steps. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Record accuracy check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you check data input (today).
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [What they must match] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm each discrepancy in the source documents.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Verify accuracy of records..

Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.

Daily

AI finds trends and writes the spreadsheet formulas.

Show prompt & steps

Paste a spreadsheet or table and ask AI to find trends, outliers and totals, or to write the formula you need. It's like having an analyst on call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Situation: [client type, no personal data]
Figures: [income, deductions]

Walk through the calculation with current rules to verify. Show your working step by step and give spreadsheet formulas so I can reproduce the numbers.

10-minute exercise: Tax calculation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you calculate form preparation fees (today).
Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Figures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Recompute the most important number yourself before you trust the rest.

AI makes arithmetic mistakes. Recompute anything that matters with a spreadsheet formula.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Calculate tax information..

Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.

Weekly

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.

Context: The work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Profession: [describe]
Area: [industry deals, safety rules, practice changes]

Brief me on what's new, how it affects my work, and where to keep up. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Professional update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you consult tax law handbooks or bulletins (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Profession] and [Area] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set up one way to keep up (newsletter, feed). Confirm the rules against the current official source.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Update professional knowledge..

Schedule appointments with clients.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to schedule appointments with clients.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and Tax software.
Services: [types, durations]
Availability: [staff hours]

Design an appointment template with buffers and confirmation messages. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Appointment book template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you schedule appointments (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Services] and [Availability] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set it up in your booking tool.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Schedule appointments..

AI can help you prep these 5

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.

Daily

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 49% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.

Context: We use Intellitax financial solutions software and Sync Essentials Trade Accountant; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Topic: [duties, budgets, cost analysis]
Audience: [importers, departments]

Explain options clearly. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Financial advice explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you furnish taxpayers (today).
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Audience] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise others on financial matters..

Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.

Daily

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.

Context: We use Intellitax financial solutions software and Sync Essentials Trade Accountant; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Client situation: [type of client, no personal data]
Purpose: [plan, counseling, loan]

Write a fact-find question list covering income, expenses, debts, goals, and a template to record answers.

10-minute exercise: Financial fact-find

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you interview clients (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Client situation] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use it and note any question that confused the client. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Interview clients to gather financial information..

Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.

Daily

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.

Context: We use Tax compliance property tax management software and Laserfiche Avante; the work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Records: [paste bills, statements]
Purpose: [cost control, research, review]

Flag unusual items and questions. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Financial records review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review financial records (today).
Step 2Fill in [Records] and [Purpose] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Recompute every total yourself.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine financial records..

Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.

Daily

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 31% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.

Context: The work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Rules or regulations: [paste]
Who needs to understand: [customers, employers, individuals]

Write a plain-language version, examples and common questions. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Explain the rules

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you explain federal and state tax laws (today).
Step 2Fill in [Rules or regulations] and [Who needs to understand] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it doesn't change the meaning of the rules. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures..

Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Daily

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 33% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tax preparer. Part of my job is to answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.

Context: The work draws on economics and accounting, law and government and mathematics.
Inquiries: [paste examples, no personal data]
Facts: [policies]

Draft reply templates. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Written responses

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you answer questions (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Inquiries] and [Facts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Correspond with customers to answer questions or resolve complaints.. Also involves: Develop financial plans for clients..

These stay human 0

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Impact of decisions: important results · Dealing with the public: very important

None of this job's tasks are here.

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (38% of workers)

  • High school or less 38%
  • Certificate or some college 24%
  • Associate's 14%
  • Bachelor's 24%
  • On-the-job training: 3–6 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years
  • Professional certification: important (3.3/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Intuit QuickBooksIntuit TurboTaxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word

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