Certified Income Tax Preparer (CTP) Interview Questions

1 Share an example of a time you had to gather information from multiple sources. How did you determine which information was relevant?
2 Share an experience when you applied new technology or information in your job. How did it help your company?
3 What kind of experience do you have preparing or assisting in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses?
4 Describe methods you have found effective to review financial records such as income statements and documentation of expenditures to determine forms needed to prepare tax returns.
5 Share an experience you had in dealing with a difficult person and how you handled the situation.
6 Would you consider analyzing data or information a strength? How so?
7 Share your approach to compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
8 Provide an example when your ethics were tested.
9 Share an experience in which your attention to detail and thoroughness had an impact on your last company.
10 Share an example when you interviewed clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
11 Provide an example of a time when you were able to demonstrate excellent listening skills. What was the situation and outcome?
12 Share an example of when you went above and beyond the "call of duty". (Look for answers that show the candidate is dependable.)
13 Name a time when your patience was tested. How did you keep your emotions in check?
14 Tell me about the last time when you consulted tax law handbooks or bulletins to determine procedures for preparation of atypical returns. What did you learn?
15 Tell me about an experience in which you analyzed information and evaluated results to choose the best solution to a problem.