What does a tax consultant do?

What does a tax consultant do?

Tax consultants are experts on matters related to tax; they prepare, give advice about and assist individuals or companies with tax filing and returns. A tax consultant ensures that clients pay their taxes in the most efficient way and benefit from any tax advantages and exemptions, while also following the government rules and regulations. They keep up to date with changing tax laws and explain complicated legislation and its implications to their clients, in simple terms.

Tax consultants create tax strategies for their clients and plan their financial futures. They carry out detailed computations to calculate tax liability, submit tax returns by the relevant deadline, and deal with SARS on behalf of their clients. Some self-employed tax advisers also offer their clients a range of accountancy services, such as bookkeeping, payroll and VAT. Tax consultants are recruited by major taxation and accountancy firms, financial institutions, major legal firms, multinational corporations, government departments, partnerships, trusts and individuals.