Tax Preparer, Small Business Returns

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Prepare federal and relevant state tax returns for small business clients, including 1040, Schedule C, 1120, 1120-S, and 1065 returns.

• Examine customer documents, bookkeeping records, year-end financial statements, prior-year returns, and supporting schedules prior to return preparation.

• Detect any missing information, discrepancies, unsupported balances, or bookkeeping challenges before the return progresses to review.

• Identify bookkeeping problems that may impact the accuracy of tax returns, make straightforward supported adjustments when necessary, and document or escalate any issues that need rectification before submission.

• Engage directly with clients when additional information is required and conduct draft review calls to explain the return, the balance due/refund, approval processes, and next steps in clear language.

• Prepare or assist with returns that involve R&D credits/Form 6765 when applicable, and pinpoint missing documentation or items that require specialist/advisor review.

• Provide succinct status updates, respond quickly to both internal and customer-facing communications, and proactively highlight any blockers or potential deadline risks.

• Clearly document workpapers, assumptions, adjustments, outstanding questions, client discussions, and next steps.

• Independently resolve routine tax preparation inquiries using tax expertise, research, and internal resources; escalate issues only when they are genuinely advisory, legally sensitive, complex, or beyond the scope.

• Promptly correct any preparation-related errors or omissions as indicated by reviewer feedback.

⛳️ Requirements

• Valid IRS PTIN.

• Proven experience in U.S. tax preparation, particularly with small business returns.

• Familiarity with at least some of the following: 1040, Schedule C, 1120-S, 1065, and 1120.

• Capability to review financial statements, year-end financials, bookkeeping records, general ledgers, income/expense reports, and supporting documentation.

• Ability to identify when bookkeeping discrepancies or adjustments impact the accuracy of tax returns.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to converse directly with clients via phone or video.

• Competence in articulating tax concepts clearly, calmly, and empathetically to non-tax professionals.

• Strong computer proficiency and the ability to work efficiently across various systems in a remote setting.

• Demonstrated independence, responsiveness, follow-through, and sound judgment within established workflows.

• Willingness to complete BenchTax’s written technical assessment and customer communication evaluation.

• CPA or Enrolled Agent designation is preferred.

• Experience with Big 4 firms: Ernst Young, KPMG, Deloitte, & PWC.

• Experience with R&D credits and Form 6765, including qualified research expenses, payroll tax credit considerations, and substantiation requirements.

• Background in preparing returns for startups, software firms, engineering companies, product development businesses, or other R&D-centric clients.

• Experience conducting draft review calls and making or proposing adjusting journal entries.

• Proficiency with Drake Tax or similar professional tax software.

• Experience in remote tax, accounting, bookkeeping, or client service environments utilizing tools such as Slack, Google Workspace, Salesforce, customer portals, or workflow trackers.

🏝️ Benefits

• Must be based in the Mexico City area and available to work during North American business hours (8 AM – 4 PM EST or PST).

• Must meet Bench’s minimum hardware and internet standards for seamless communication and workflow.