Tax Preparer

Description

Job Title: Tax Preparer 

Exemption: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Program Director and Lead Tax Preparer

SUPERVISES: N/A

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Candidates for Tax Preparer should possess the required qualifications and skills to successfully assist self-employed New Yorkers by supervising, coordinating, and delivering services and resources, as outlined below:

I. Educational Interventions

• Workshops: Preparers will deliver 1-hour in-person and virtual group learning sessions to share the basics of tax filing and record-keeping. DCWP will train preparers on the curriculum, including presenting the material, using any handouts, and engaging the classroom.   
• One-on-One Consultations or Small Groups: Preparers will conduct 60-90 minute in-person or virtual meetings with clients to offer personalized assistance in implementing record-keeping best practices and answer tax-related questions. Preparers will collaborate with DCWP and each other to establish guidelines for these consultations.  

II. Service Delivery

• Annual Tax Return Preparation: Preparers will complete necessary business and personal forms for annual federal and/or state tax returns.  
• Quarterly Estimated Filing Preparation: Preparers will complete forms to assist filers in submitting federal and/or state estimated tax payments.  

III. Resources and Support 

• Toolkits: Preparers will distribute templates and guidance developed by DCWP for recordkeeping. 
• Wraparound Supports: Preparers will make referrals to the NYC Financial Empowerment Centers, Business Solution Centers, and other resources for asset building and growing a business, using criteria developed by their organization and DCWP.  

Preferred Skills: 

• Must be able to effectively organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects under tight deadlines throughout each day to assist in meeting all clients’ needs.
• Should understand or be willing to learn about depreciation and fixed asset allocations, allowable business deductions and allocations, interest allocations, basic requirements, amended return preparations, estimated tax projections and calculations, preparation of state returns, and the current tax law.
• Knowledgeable or willing to learn about payroll, payroll taxes, sales and sales tax reporting, and year-end. 
• In-depth knowledge of applicable tax laws, regulations, and deadlines, including quarterly estimated filing at the federal and state levels.
• Assist clients with filling annual and quarterly estimated tax returns during tax season and year-round.
• Coordinate and deliver workshops and consultations about the basics of tax filing and recordkeeping practices.
• Deliver group sessions to clients about the basics of tax filing and recordkeeping.
• Provide one-on-one or small group consultations, assisting clients with implementing recordkeeping best practices.
• Assist clients with annual and quarterly estimated tax filing by completing forms to submit federal and state tax returns and payments.
• Be available to conduct and participate in ongoing outreach activities to market the program services.
• Get familiarized with resources and support, such as templates and guidance for recordkeeping available to inform and connect clients as needed. 
• Refer clients to wraparound support services, including but not limited to the City Financial Empowerment and Business Solution Centers, and other trusted resources.
• Flexible Work Schedule.
• Bilingual in Spanish, required, Mandarin, optional.

Qualifications: 

• Required to pass IRS VITA/TCE certification(s) at least at the Advanced level annually  
• Enrolled Agent (EA)iii Certified Public Accountant (CPA – licensed by the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions), or New York State licensed attorney preferred or willing to work towards obtaining EA or CPA status by July 1, 2024  
• Minimum of high school diploma or GED and completed coursework in tax preparation, accounting, bookkeeping, business finance, or other relevant topics, such as: 
• 2-4 years of experience preparing individual (1040) federal and state tax returns such as personal returns with schedules A, B, C, D, E, and F, and other schedules, as well as required work papers or calculations or; 
• 2-4 years of experience in business and estate (1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041) tax returns such as corporate, S-Corp, partnership, and estate tax returns and other schedules of varying complexities an