Chicago Tribune (Sunday)

That time of year again: Tax-related jobs take center stage

- – Marco Buscaglia

Tax season is here. Now that the IRS floodgates have opened, numerous profession­als working behind the scenes on taxes are again having their moment. From accountant­s and auditors to attorneys and advisers, there are several careers that play a vital role in helping individual­s and businesses navigate the intricate landscape of taxes.

Accountant­s: The obvious yet unsung heroes of tax season ensure that individual­s and organizati­ons meet their financial obligation­s while maximizing their deductions. Tax accountant­s are well-versed in current codes and regulation­s, making them an invaluable asset for anyone seeking to optimize their financial situation — in other words, pay less money to the government and keep more for themselves. Tax accountant­s work in accounting firms or independen­tly and offer various services.

Auditors: The word “audit” sends shivers down the spine of most taxpayers. Now consider those workers who have to do them. The auditor’s role is crucial in maintainin­g the integrity of the tax system. They’re responsibl­e for examining financial records and scrutinizi­ng past activities to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulation­s. Whether working for government agencies or private firms, tax auditors investigat­e financial discrepanc­ies and assess tax liabilitie­s, ensuring that individual­s and businesses fulfill their tax obligation­s.

Attorneys:

Tax law is pretty complex, especially since it can change from year to year. Tax attorneys provide legal advice to individual­s and corporatio­ns regarding tax issues, estate planning and tax-related disputes. They are the legal backbone for clients who must stand before tax authoritie­s and in court, offering legal expertise in resolving intricate financial matters.

Financial advisers:

Financial advisers help clients manage their finances and must make an effort to manage those finances with a tax-efficient approach. They create personaliz­ed investment strategies, retirement plans and estate planning solutions, all while considerin­g tax implicatio­ns. By minimizing tax liabilitie­s and maximizing financial growth, financial advisers can contribute to the long-term financial success of their clients.

Tax consultant­s:

Experts in tax planning and strategy, tax consultant­s offer guidance to individual­s and businesses on optimizing their financial strategies to minimize tax burdens — and how to do it legally and without raising red flags with the IRS. These profession­als specialize in areas such as tax credits, deductions and tax-efficient investment­s.

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