Provide examples of how you ensure accuracy in tax returns. Mention methods you use to double-check your work.

Explain any experience with complex tax situations or audits. This can make you stand out to potential employers.

Emphasize your understanding of tax laws and regulations. Mention any specific tax software you know how to use.

Include details about your continuing education in tax preparation or related courses. This shows you are committed to staying updated in this field.

When you apply for tax-related roles, make sure your resume shows you have the skills and experience for the job. Focus on what you know about tax preparation, how you solve problems, and ways you help people or businesses with their taxes.

• Include specific tax software you're skilled in, like Intuit ProConnect or Drake Tax.
• Show how you've managed client tax filings, such as successfully processed over 300 tax returns annually.
• Highlight any tax preparation certifications, like Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) if you have one.

When you create your resume, it's important to list the skills that show you can do the job well. For a tax preparer, you'll need to know how to use specific tools and understand tax laws. Here are some key skills to consider including:

• Tax preparation software proficiency
• Knowledge of tax codes and regulations
• Attention to detail
• Mathematical skills
• Data analysis
• Electronic filing (e-filing) experience
• Understanding of state and federal tax laws
• Client confidentiality
• Audit support skills
• IRS regulation knowledge

You do not need to include all these skills, just the ones that match your experience and the job you want. Put these skills in a dedicated section on your resume to make it easy for hiring managers to see them. This also helps you get past the computer programs (ATS) that scan resumes for the right skills. Remember, being a tax preparer means you need to be exact and understand numbers and laws well. Show this by choosing the right skills from the list above.

When you create your resume, it's important to show how you have grown in your work. If you have been a leader or got a promotion, make sure to include this. Here are ways to show your growth in tax preparation:

• Include titles or roles that show you moved up, like 'Senior Tax Preparer' or 'Tax Team Lead'.
• List any special tasks you were given because you were trusted with more responsibility, such as 'Managed a team of junior tax preparers' or 'Trained new staff in tax software'.

Think about times when you helped your team or taught others. Even if you are not sure if it was leadership, it often is. For example, if you helped your office switch to a new tax filing system, that shows leadership. Use simple phrases like:

• 'Led a workshop on new tax regulations for 20 colleagues'.
• 'Supervised and reviewed tax filings for accuracy and compliance'.

When you detail your past work, include numbers to show your impact clearly. This helps you stand out to hiring managers. Use simple, clear facts. Here's how you can use numbers to improve your resume:

• Mention the size of tax returns you have prepared, such as 'Managed over 500 individual tax returns annually.'
• Include the amount of money you have saved clients through your tax strategies, for example, 'Implemented tax strategies that saved clients a total of $1M in the past year.'
• Describe how you improved processes, like 'Streamlined filing procedures, reducing preparation time by 25%.'
• Quantify your accuracy by stating your error rate, such as 'Maintained an error rate of less than 0.5% across all filings.'
• Indicate the number of tax software platforms you are proficient in, like 'Skilled in 5 different tax software systems.'
• State the percentage of clients you retained year over year, 'Achieved a 95% client retention rate through dedicated service.'
• Show training impact by listing how many staff you have taught, 'Trained 30 new tax preparers in the latest tax regulations.'
• Include the growth of your client base, for example, 'Grew client base by 40% in two years through effective marketing and referrals.'

Think about your work and find places where you can measure your success. Even if you are not sure about the exact numbers, estimate them. For example, if you increased efficiency but are not sure by how much, think about the time you saved on each return and multiply by the number of returns you handle. Use these numbers to show the value you will bring to the role.

When you apply for a tax preparation role at a small firm or a startup, show that you can wear many hats and thrive in a fast-paced environment. In your experience section, highlight your adaptability and range of skills. For example, you might mention 'Managed bookkeeping and tax filing for a portfolio of small business clients' to demonstrate your breadth of knowledge.

On the other hand, if you're targeting large corporations like H&R Block or Deloitte, emphasize your specialization and ability to handle complex tax situations. Use phrases like 'Specialized in tax compliance for high-revenue clients,' which shows depth in a particular area. Big companies often look for individuals with precise expertise and the comfort of working within a larger team structure.

Regardless of the company size, always tailor your resume to showcase skills that align with the job description and the firm's needs. Remember to keep the language simple so it's easily understood.