Tax Preparer (Lacerte experience, required)

About the Role

Our client, a US-based public accounting firm, is hiring a remote Tax Preparer (CPA) to prepare and review individual, business, and trust tax returns in full compliance with federal and state tax regulations. This is a hands-on preparer seat — you will own returns from source-document intake through reviewer handoff and e-file, working directly inside Lacerte tax software.

This role is built for a tax professional who has already logged real public accounting cycles: someone who can open a prior-year 1120S, reconcile to current-year trial balance, identify the M-1 adjustments, allocate K-1 items correctly, run Lacerte diagnostics, and prepare a clean workpaper file the reviewer can sign off on without rework. You'll communicate directly with US clients to request missing documents, explain results, and respond to filing questions, so written and verbal English fluency is non-negotiable.

The team operates remote-first with async-default communication. During US peak season (February through April 15, plus the September–October extension window), return volume scales significantly and deadline discipline becomes the differentiator between candidates who succeed and candidates who don't. Outside of peak, the work shifts toward tax planning support, estimated tax calculations, projections, and notice response.

You will report to a US-based reviewer or tax manager. Success at 90 days means your returns pass first-round review with minimal diagnostics, your client communication is professional and timely, and your workpaper documentation is organized enough that any reviewer can pick up your file mid-engagement.

Responsibilities

Tax Preparation & Filing

Prepare federal and state returns for Form 1040, Form 1120, Form 1120S, Form 1065, and Form 1041

Enter financial data accurately into Lacerte from source documents and trial balances

Review prior-year returns and roll forward carryovers, basis, and depreciation schedules

Identify deductions, credits, and tax planning opportunities

Ensure compliance with current federal and state tax law, including any mid-year regulatory changes

Client Communication

Request missing documentation from clients with clear, itemized requests

Explain tax results, balances due, and refund positions in plain language

Respond to IRS and state notices and routine filing questions

Maintain professional client service standards in all written correspondence

Quality Control & Review

Self-review returns and clear Lacerte diagnostics before submission to reviewer

Resolve discrepancies and review comments promptly

Stay current on federal and multi-state tax law changes throughout the year

Documentation & File Management

Maintain organized digital workpapers and supporting documentation

Track filing deadlines, extension deadlines, and estimated payment due dates

Document tax positions clearly enough to support reviewer sign-off and potential examination

Follow client confidentiality and data security protocols

Tax Planning Support

Assist with quarterly estimated tax calculations

Support multi-year tax projections during planning engagements

Surface planning opportunities identified during preparation work