A tax consultant is a professional who provides guidance to individuals and businesses with their taxation concerns. He or she researches tax laws and regulations to understand the impact of these issues on each client. He or she advises clients on strategies to minimize tax liability and maximize tax deductions. This career requires extensive training and knowledge of accounting and tax law. A tax consultant must also be able to communicate his or her findings in a way that is easily understood by clients.

Unlike tax preparers, who typically only assist with filing taxes, tax consultants are more knowledgeable about the entire spectrum of taxation matters and may offer advice on business structure, charitable giving and estate planning. They can also help clients navigate a variety of tax-related disputes with the IRS. Some even hold a CPA license or are enrolled agents. Their fees vary depending on the extent of their skill and expertise.

While it is important for a tax consultant to be accommodating to his or her clients, there are times when he or she must stand up for what’s right. This is particularly true when an individual has attempted to skirt taxes or commit tax fraud. A tax consultant must be willing to report this information to the proper authorities and defend their client against unfounded accusations.

Tax law changes frequently, so a tax consultant must be able to keep up with these changes. He or she should regularly seek out educational resources and attend webinars to learn about the latest developments in the field of taxation. Additionally, a tax consultant should have excellent written and verbal communication skills in order to explain complex issues in an easy-to-understand manner.

A good tax consultant should have an organized physical and digital filing system, which makes it easy to locate the information he or she needs for each client. This is especially helpful when working with multiple clients simultaneously. Additionally, a good tax consultant should be able to quickly and accurately assess a client’s unique situation and make recommendations accordingly.

Whether you’re an established business or a new start-up, there are many benefits to hiring a tax consultant. From understanding the latest tax law changes to guiding you through an audit, a qualified professional can save your business money and protect your assets. Before you hire a tax consultant, ask about their experience and qualifications, and be sure to get a fee estimate before beginning work. The information in this article is for general education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed attorney or other professional. Please contact your legal or tax professional with specific questions. Thank you. 2019 Moffatt and Company. All rights reserved. No lawyer-client relationship is formed based on this site and no such relationship should be implied or inferred. This content is provided for general informational purposes only. The law firm names and firms are used with permission of the respective attorneys.Steuerberater