1. Agricultural Careers Tax Consultant By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Taking tax returns and entering them into a computer system for processing Review returns for accuracy Verify that social security numbers match names Making sure tax credits and deductions claimed by taxpayers are legitimate Tax consultants adjust the total amount by assessing fees, interest, and penalties and notify the taxpayer of the total liability

3. Qualities and Skills Be able to sit at cubicles or at desks for long periods of time Should be able to travel if necessary. Excellent math and computer skills Good problem solving skills

4. Salary In 2002, the median annual earnings for all tax consultants were $42,250. The middle 50 percent earned between $31,250 and $59,670. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $23,950, and the top 10 percent earned more than $74,600.

5. Work Environment Work indoors in safe, comfortable offices or their own homes May work long hours Frequent travel to visit companies and talk to potential investors Pressure of deadlines Much of their research must be done after office hours, because the day is filled with telephone calls and meetings. Usually work standard business hours They may schedule meetings with clients in the evenings or on weekends Many teach evening classes or hold seminars in order to bring in more clients

6. Becoming a Tax Consultant Take college preparatory courses in high school including science, math-algebra I and II, speech, and communications. Participate in an internship or part time job with any local or area tax consultant business.

7. Career Resources National Association of Tax Consultants P.O. Box 90276 Portland, Oregon 97290-0276 Internet: http://www.natctax.org/resources.php The Financial Planning Association 4100 E. Mississippi Ave. Denver, CO 80246-3053 Internet: http://www.fpanet.org