Tax Preparers
Every task in this role, whether it passes the census's structural hand-over screen, which models pass it, and why. It is a screen, not a claim about what AI can do: a task can pass and still be beyond the systems of the day. The stricter and looser rules re-vote every task, and small differences between roles are noise.
Passes the screen · 2 of 12 tasks
Check data input or verify totals on forms prepared by others to detect errors in arithmetic, data entry, or procedures.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 7.1% of the role's time · $304M · passed by Claude Sonnet, Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Schedule appointments with clients.
quick to check, an existing check settles it, and a mistake is cheap · 4.3% of the role's time · $185M · passed by Claude Sonnet, GPT-6 Sol · the models disagreed
Does not pass
Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and a failure is too expensive · 12.8% of the role's time · $549M · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed
Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 11.9% of the role's time · $511M
Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 10.7% of the role's time · $457M
Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.6% of the role's time · $410M
Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 9.0% of the role's time · $384M
Review financial records, such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.9% of the role's time · $382M
Explain federal and state tax laws to individuals and companies.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 8.4% of the role's time · $358M
Answer questions and provide future tax planning to clients.
reason given most often: nobody can tell quickly whether it worked, and no existing check settles it · 7.7% of the role's time · $328M
Calculate form preparation fees according to return complexity and processing time required.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 5.9% of the role's time · $254M · passed by Gemini 3.1 Pro · the models disagreed · waiting on a check
Consult tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns.
reason given most often: no existing check settles it · 3.7% of the role's time · $157M
Where this role works
| Industry | Workers | Wage bill | Passes the screen | All three pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services | 70,260 | $4.1B | $468M | $0 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | 830 | $64.6M | $7.4M | $0 |
| Software Publishers | 800 | $48.1M | $5.5M | $0 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | 360 | $27.8M | $3.2M | $0 |
| Legal Services | 390 | $27.5M | $3.1M | $0 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | 100 | $6.4M | $729k | $0 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | 90 | $5.8M | $659k | $0 |
| Individual and Family Services | 70 | $3.2M | $369k | $0 |
| Insurance Carriers | 50 | $3.1M | $352k | $0 |