Tax Preparation Specialist VA
A senior tax preparation specialist who prepares individual and business tax returns, workpapers and supporting schedules for your licensed preparer or CPA to review and sign, clearing your tax season backlog without adding local headcount.
- Top 1% vetted talent
- No lock-in contracts
- Replacement guarantee
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Hourly rates · No lock-in contracts
Description
A Tax Preparation Specialist VA prepares tax returns, supporting workpapers and schedules for a licensed preparer or CPA to review and sign. They can organise source documents, reconcile tax differences, prepare extensions and respond to reviewer comments during busy filing periods. Outsource Teams provides top 1% vetted talent with tax preparation experience, no lock-in contracts and a replacement guarantee, while the client's authorised professional retains responsibility for signing and filing returns.
Responsibilities
- Prepare US individual (1040), partnership (1065), S corporation (1120-S) and corporate (1120) returns from client source documents.
- Organise client documents, identify missing information and prepare clear request lists for the client team.
- Build workpapers that tie every return line to source documents and prior-year figures.
- Reconcile book to tax differences, depreciation schedules and fixed asset registers.
- Calculate estimated tax payments and prepare extension requests for the signing preparer.
- Review returns for accuracy, consistency and missed deductions or credits before handing them to the reviewer.
- Respond to reviewer notes and update returns quickly during peak filing periods.
- Draft responses to IRS or state notices for the licensed preparer to review and send.
- Keep current on annual tax law changes and update templates and checklists accordingly.
- Track return status and deadlines in the practice management system so nothing is filed late.
Software & Tools
Requirements
- 5+ years of tax preparation experience, preferably in a US public accounting firm or an outsourced tax practice.
- Skilled in professional tax software such as Drake, Lacerte, ProSeries, UltraTax or CCH Axcess.
- Strong grasp of US federal and state tax rules for individuals, pass-through entities and small corporations.
- Bachelor's degree in Accountancy; Philippine CPA licence or Enrolled Agent progress is a plus.
- Works under the client's signing preparer and does not sign or file returns in their own name.
- Precise written English for workpaper notes, review comments and client information requests.
- Able to work extended hours during filing season on a reliable home internet connection with backup power, aligned to US hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What returns can they prepare?
The role includes preparing US individual, partnership, S corporation and corporate returns from client source documents.
Can they prepare the supporting workpapers?
Yes. They can organise source documents, build workpapers, reconcile book-to-tax differences and prepare depreciation and fixed asset schedules.
What systems can they use?
They can work with Xero Tax, MYOB AE, Lacerte, ProConnect, QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, IRIS and TaxCalc, along with other professional tax software.
Who signs and files the return?
The specialist works under the client's signing preparer and does not sign or file returns in their own name.
How much does it cost?
Rates are listed in USD at $7 per hour for entry-level talent, $9 per hour for intermediate and $12 per hour for senior talent. Both full-time and part-time options are available.
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