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 Requirements Active CPA license Hands-on Lacerte tax software experience within the last 12 months (required) Strong public accounting tax preparation background Demonstrated experience preparing multiple return types (1040, 1120/1120S, 1065, 1041) Working knowledge of federal and state tax law Proven ability to handle high return volume during US tax season Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy under deadline pressure Excellent written and verbal English communication Demonstrated ability to work independently in a fully remote environment Reliable computer (Intel i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher), stable high-speed internet, quiet workspace Dual monitor setup preferred Nice to Have Multi-state tax preparation and apportionment experience Trust and estate (Form 1041) preparation experience QuickBooks proficiency for source data reconciliation Experience with professional tax research tools (Checkpoint, BNA, RIA, CCH) Prior fully-remote accounting or tax preparation experience with US clients What We Offer Full-time, 100% remote position Direct exposure to US public accounting tax practice Compensation up to $12/hour Long-term placement with an established US-based client firm By 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.