Tax Preparer (Lacerte experience, required)

About the RoleOur 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.ResponsibilitiesTax Preparation & FilingPrepare federal and state returns for Form 1040, Form 1120, Form 1120S, Form 1065, and Form 1041Enter financial data accurately into Lacerte from source documents and trial balancesReview prior-year returns and roll forward carryovers, basis, and depreciation schedulesIdentify deductions, credits, and tax planning opportunitiesEnsure compliance with current federal and state tax law, including any mid-year regulatory changesClient CommunicationRequest missing documentation from clients with clear, itemized requestsExplain tax results, balances due, and refund positions in plain languageRespond to IRS and state notices and routine filing questionsMaintain professional client service standards in all written correspondenceQuality Control & ReviewSelf-review returns and clear Lacerte diagnostics before submission to reviewerResolve discrepancies and review comments promptlyStay current on federal and multi-state tax law changes throughout the yearDocumentation & File ManagementMaintain organized digital workpapers and supporting documentationTrack filing deadlines, extension deadlines, and estimated payment due datesDocument tax positions clearly enough to support reviewer sign-off and potential examinationFollow client confidentiality and data security protocolsTax Planning SupportAssist with quarterly estimated tax calculationsSupport multi-year tax projections during planning engagementsSurface planning opportunities identified during preparation workRequirementsRequirementsActive CPA licenseHands-on Lacerte tax software experience within the last 12 months (required)Strong public accounting tax preparation backgroundDemonstrated experience preparing multiple return types (1040, 1120/1120S, 1065, 1041)Working knowledge of federal and state tax lawProven ability to handle high return volume during US tax seasonExceptional attention to detail and accuracy under deadline pressureExcellent written and verbal English communicationDemonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote environmentReliable computer (Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher), stable high-speed internet, quiet workspaceDual monitor setup preferredNice to HaveMulti-state tax preparation and apportionment experienceTrust and estate (Form 1041) preparation experienceQuickBooks proficiency for source data reconciliationExperience with professional tax research tools (Checkpoint, BNA, RIA, CCH)Prior fully-remote accounting or tax preparation experience with US clientsBenefitsWhat We OfferFull-time, 100% remote positionDirect exposure to US public accounting tax practiceCompensation up to $12/hourLong-term placement with an established US-based client firmBy applying, you consent to being contacted via the contact information provided in your application for recruitment purposes only.Interview scheduling: Initial calls run in US Mountain Standard Time (MST), within a 3:00 AM – 1:00 PM MST window (6:00 PM – 4:00 AM PHT).

We genuinely appreciate your flexibility around the time difference.