What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Tax Preparer – Experienced | Hybrid | January–April position at Smallwood CPA Firm PLLC?
Job Overview
Smallwood CPA & Tax Advisory is seeking an experienced Seasonal Tax Preparer to join our growing tax practice for the 2027 tax season. This position will primarily focus on the preparation of individual federal and state income tax returns for our clients.
We are looking for someone who can prepare tax returns accurately and efficiently with limited supervision. The ideal candidate has prior professional tax preparation experience and is comfortable working with a variety of individual tax situations, including investments, self-employment income, rental properties, retirement income, and multi-state filings.
This is a seasonal, part-time position expected to run from approximately January through April 2027, with the possibility of future seasonal or year-round opportunities as the firm continues to grow.
The position is based in Charles Town, West Virginia, with hybrid/remote flexibility available after initial training and onboarding.
Expected Hours: Approximately 20–30 hours per week, with additional hours potentially available during peak filing season.
Compensation: $27–$40 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate federal and state individual income tax returns (Form 1040).
- Prepare returns involving W-2 income, retirement income, investment and brokerage activity, itemized deductions, and other common individual tax matters.
- Prepare returns containing Schedule C self-employment income and Schedule E rental property activity.
- Prepare returns involving capital gains and losses, including Schedule D and Form 8949.
- Prepare multi-state individual income tax returns when applicable.
- Review client-provided tax documents and identify missing or incomplete information needed to complete returns.
- Organize and maintain supporting tax documentation within the firm's tax preparation and document management systems.
- Identify potential tax issues, inconsistencies, or planning opportunities and communicate them to the CPA for review.
- Communicate professionally with the CPA and other firm personnel regarding questions or issues encountered during return preparation.
- Make necessary revisions to tax returns following the CPA's review.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client financial and personal information.
- Follow firm procedures, IRS requirements, and applicable federal and state tax laws.
- Assist with maintaining an efficient workflow and timely completion of tax returns throughout filing season.
The primary responsibility of this position is tax return preparation rather than client acquisition or sales. Final tax return review and higher-level tax planning will generally be handled by the CPA.
Qualifications & ExperienceRequired
- Minimum of 2 tax seasons of professional individual income tax preparation experience.
- Experience preparing Form 1040 federal and state income tax returns.
- Working knowledge of common individual tax issues, including W-2 income, retirement income, investment income, capital gains and losses, itemized deductions, and tax credits.
- Experience preparing or assisting with Schedule C, Schedule D, and/or Schedule E returns.
- Ability to review client tax documents and recognize missing, inconsistent, or unusual information.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate tax return preparation.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple returns, and meet filing-season deadlines.
- Comfortable learning and working within professional tax preparation software and electronic document management systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive client information.
Preferred
- 3 years of individual income tax preparation experience.
- Experience independently preparing moderately complex Form 1040 returns.
- Experience with rental properties, self-employed individuals, brokerage statements, stock transactions, and multi-state returns.
- Prior experience working for a CPA firm, tax preparation firm, or similar professional tax practice.
- Experience with professional tax preparation software.
- Enrolled Agent (EA), CPA, AFSP participant, accounting degree, or other relevant tax/accounting credential is a plus, but is not required.
- PTIN or ability to obtain a valid PTIN before preparing returns.
- Prior experience working in a remote or hybrid professional environment is a plus.
We are particularly interested in candidates who are experienced, dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable preparing individual tax returns with limited supervision.
Pay: $27.50 - $40.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Charles Town, WV 25414
Salary : $27 - $40