
JOB REPORT / 13-2082 · 12 TASKS
Tax Preparers.
Can AI do the work of Tax Preparers?
Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.
YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
How does this fit your work?
How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?
Drag the dot. There’s no wrong answer; it starts at our estimate.
The mark shows what’s typical for this job.
The parts of your job AI can already do most of:
- Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures…
- Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines…
- Review financial records
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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Tax Preparers work. It covers the 12 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.
WHAT WE LOOKED AT
Your job, task by task.
12/ 1212 of 12 tasks reviewed
We went through all 12 core tasks in this job, one at a time.
Task by task, from the work Tax Preparers actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.
- TASK 01
Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
AI DOESSearches tax codes, summarizes relevant rules, and flags applicable procedures fast
YOU DOApply judgment to the client's unique facts and take responsibility for the filing
- TASK 02
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
AI DOESRuns calculations, checks math, and auto-fills standard tax form entries
YOU DOReview edge cases, confirm client data is correct, and sign off on accuracy
- TASK 03
Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
AI DOESScans financial records, flags relevant income and expense categories, and suggests which tax forms may apply
YOU DOVerify unusual entries, ask clients clarifying questions, and apply professional judgment to edge cases
- TASK 04
Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
AI DOESScans return complexity, counts forms, and calculates fee estimates from a pricing schedule
YOU DOUse your judgment on unusual situations, client history, and final pricing decisions
- TASK 05
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
AI DOESScans tax codes, flags eligible deductions and credits, and checks for missed adjustments
YOU DOVerify each client's unique facts and take responsibility for the final return
- TASK 06
Schedule appointments with clients.
AI DOESSends reminders, finds open slots, and books appointments automatically
YOU DORead client needs and handle tricky scheduling conflicts with care
- TASK 07
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
AI DOESSuggests interview questions, flags missing info, and summarizes client responses
YOU DOListen carefully, build client trust, and spot unusual details that change the tax picture
- TASK 08SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
AI DOESFills forms and calculates deductions from data
YOU DOReview for errors and tricky situations
About this analysis
47% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 09SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
AI DOESGenerates tax guidance and form instructions
YOU DOExplain complex situations with empathy
About this analysis
17% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 10SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
AI DOESExplains basic tax rules and common scenarios
YOU DOInterpret complex cases and guide strategy
About this analysis
9% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 11SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
AI DOESFlags potential errors and suggests corrections
YOU DODecide which flags matter most
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
- TASK 12SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
AI DOESCalculates scenarios and suggests tax strategies
YOU DOBuild trust and tailor advice to goals
About this analysis
0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
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