17 Tax Technician Interview Questions and Answers

As a tax technician, you will be responsible for preparing and filing tax returns for individuals and businesses. This is a critical role in ensuring that everyone pays their fair share of taxes. In order to be successful in this role, you need to be able to understand complex tax laws and be able to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

In order to assess your qualifications for the role, interviewers will ask a range of questions. They will want to know about your experience preparing tax returns, your understanding of tax laws, and your ability to work under pressure. They may also ask you some questions about your experience with computers and software programs.

If you want to be successful in your interview for a tax technician position, you need to be prepared to answer a range of questions. In this guide, we will provide you with a list of questions that you may be asked and sample answers that you can use to help you prepare.

Are you comfortable working with confidential information?

Tax information is often confidential, and employers want to make sure you understand the importance of keeping it private. They may ask this question to see if you have experience working with sensitive information in the past. In your answer, explain that you are comfortable handling confidential information. Explain that you will take all necessary precautions to keep tax information safe.

Example: “Yes, I am very comfortable working with confidential information. In my last role, I was responsible for entering client data into our system. This included their personal financial information. I took great care to ensure that no one else could access this information. I always kept my computer locked when I wasn’t using it and never shared passwords with anyone.”

What are your computer skills?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary computer skills for the job. They want someone who can use tax software and file returns accurately. When answering, list your most important computer skills. If you are a fast learner, mention that you’re willing to learn new programs or update your skills.

Example: “I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Powerpoint. I also know how to use TurboTax and TaxAct online filing systems. In my last role, I learned how to use H&R Block’s tax software. I’m happy to learn any other programs you may use.”

How would you handle a situation where you disagreed with a supervisor about how to handle a tax return?

As a tax technician, you may be required to work with other professionals in the field. Employers ask this question to make sure you can collaborate and communicate effectively with your colleagues. In your answer, try to show that you are willing to respectfully disagree with others while still being able to work well with them.

Example: “I would first try to understand why my supervisor disagreed with me. I would then do some more research on the topic and see if there was any information I missed. If I still felt confident in my assessment of the situation, I would explain my reasoning to my supervisor and offer to help find an alternative solution.”

What is your process for ensuring accuracy when completing a tax return?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your attention to detail and ensure that you are able to complete accurate tax returns. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for ensuring accuracy when completing a tax return, including how you verify information and double-check calculations.

Example: “I always start by reviewing the client’s documentation thoroughly before entering any data into my computer. I then enter all of the relevant information from the documents into my system, such as income sources, deductions and credits. After inputting all of the necessary information, I review my work carefully to make sure that everything is correct. If there are any discrepancies, I will contact the client to clarify.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to research a complex tax issue and provide a recommendation.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to research information. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can use critical thinking skills to analyze a situation and find the most effective solution.

Example: “In my last role as a tax technician, I encountered a client who was unsure of how to file their taxes because they had multiple sources of income. They were unsure if they should file as an individual or a business owner. After researching the IRS website for more information, I found that the best option would be to file as a sole proprietor since they earned money from one source. This allowed them to take advantage of certain deductions.”

If a client asked you a question about their taxes that you didn’t know the answer to, what would you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to learn. You can answer this question by describing a time you researched a client’s question and found the answer, or you can describe how you would research the question and find the answer if you had not yet encountered it.

Example: “If a client asked me a question about their taxes that I didn’t know the answer to, I would first try to explain why I don’t know the answer. For example, I might say, ‘I haven’t worked with many clients who have this situation, so I am not as familiar with it as some other questions I encounter. However, I will do my best to find out the answer for you.’ Then, I would look up the information in the tax code book or online resources until I could confidently give them an answer.”

What would you do if you noticed a mistake in a client’s previous tax return that you filed?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle mistakes and errors in your work. It can also show them how you communicate with clients about these issues. In your answer, try to explain what steps you would take to fix the mistake and apologize for any inconvenience it may have caused.

Example: “If I noticed a mistake on a client’s previous tax return that I filed, I would first make sure that there was no way I could correct the mistake by looking at my notes or other documents from the filing process. If this wasn’t possible, I would contact the client immediately to let them know of the error and offer to file an amended return for free. This is something I always do when I notice a mistake in a client’s return.”

How well do you understand the Internal Revenue Code?

The Internal Revenue Code is the set of rules that govern tax law in the United States. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the code and how it applies to tax preparation. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you have a strong understanding of the code and can apply its principles to real-world situations.

Example: “I understand the Internal Revenue Code very well. I’ve been preparing taxes for several years now, and I regularly take continuing education courses on tax law. During these courses, we learn about recent changes to the code and how they affect taxpayers. I also read through the code every year so that I’m familiar with all of its provisions.”

Do you have experience preparing W-2s?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you approach this task. You may have a lot of experience preparing W-2s or none at all, but it’s important to be honest about your background. If you don’t have any experience with W-2s, you should explain why and what other tax forms you’ve prepared in the past.

Example: “I haven’t had much experience preparing W-2s, but I am familiar with the process. In my last role, I was responsible for preparing 1099-MISC forms, which are similar to W-2s because they report income from independent contractors. I also completed Form 1040EZ returns, so I’m comfortable working with both sides of the W-2.”

When would you use a 1099-MISC?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of tax forms and how you apply them. You can answer this question by giving a specific example of when you used one in the past, or you can describe what it’s for if you’ve never had to use one before.

Example: “I would use a 1099-MISC form when I’m working with independent contractors who are self-employed. This form allows me to report their income to the IRS so they don’t have to file their own taxes. In my last job as a tax technician, I helped prepare hundreds of these forms each year.”

We want to improve our customer service by having our tax technicians provide general tax information to our clients. What areas would you focus on if we asked you to develop a training program for this purpose?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you would approach a new project and what your priorities might be. In your answer, try to show that you are organized and detail-oriented by listing the steps you would take to develop a training program for tax information.

Example: “I think it’s important to start with an outline of topics so everyone is on the same page. I would create a list of common questions people have about taxes and then divide them into categories based on their answers. For example, if someone asks ‘What is my tax refund?’ I would categorize this under ‘refunds’ and then break down each type of refund. Then, I would assign one or two technicians per category to research the topic and write out a brief overview of the most common questions.”

Describe your process for handling client payments.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle money and your clients. It can also show them how organized you are with handling payments, which is an important part of the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific process that you use for handling payments.

Example: “I always make sure to confirm payment information before sending out any refunds or issuing any checks. I also like to have my client sign their check so I know they received it. If there’s no signature on the check, I’ll call the client to see if they forgot to sign it. Once I receive the signed check, I deposit it into our bank account and then send out the refund or issue the check.”

What makes you stand out from other tax technicians?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and experience. They want to know what makes you unique from other candidates. When answering, think of a skill or quality that you have that others may not. Try to choose something that is relevant to the job.

Example: “I am very detail-oriented when it comes to my work. I always make sure to double-check all of my math and calculations before submitting anything to clients. This has helped me avoid many mistakes in the past, which has led to positive reviews from clients. In fact, I’ve been told by several clients that they prefer working with me because I’m so thorough.”

Which tax software programs have you used in the past?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience using their company’s tax software. Before your interview, research the company’s website and job description to find out which programs they use. If you don’t see any listed, call them ahead of time to ask what tax software they prefer. When answering this question, name a few different programs that you’re familiar with.

Example: “I’ve used both TurboTax and TaxAct in my past positions. I also have some experience with H&R Block’s online tax software. I’m comfortable using whichever program you prefer.”

What do you think is the most important skill for a tax technician to have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. Your answer should include a skill that you feel confident using and one that you are eager to learn more about.

Example: “I think the most important skill for a tax technician to have is attention to detail. I am very good at noticing small details, which helps me make sure all my work is accurate. In my last position, I noticed that some of my coworkers were missing key information when they calculated their returns. I offered to help them with their calculations so they could avoid making mistakes.”

How often do you file client returns?

This question can help the interviewer understand how much experience you have filing tax returns. It can also show them your level of responsibility and independence as a tax technician. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific situations that required extra attention or guidance from a supervisor.

Example: “I file my clients’ returns once they’ve completed their paperwork. I usually do this at least two weeks before the April 15 deadline. My last employer had a policy where we could request an extension if our client needed more time to complete their taxes. However, most of my clients were able to meet the April 15 deadline without needing an extension.”

There is a discrepancy between the amount of tax a client should pay and the amount they actually owe. What would you do?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you have the skills and knowledge to solve problems, as well as your ability to communicate with clients about complex tax issues.

Example: “If there is a discrepancy between what a client owes in taxes and what they actually owe, I would first make sure that all of their information was entered correctly into our system. If it was, then I would contact my supervisor for advice on how to proceed. Depending on the size of the discrepancy, I may need to file an amended return or even call the IRS for assistance.”