Tax Preparer how-to

How to Conduct a Tax Interview

A good interview catches income and credits clients forget.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

A good interview catches income and credits clients forget. In short: confirm; ask; collect, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Confirm identity and filing status.

  2. Ask about life changes: marriage, children, moves, jobs.

  3. Collect all income documents.

  4. Ask about expenses and potential deductions.

  5. Ask about health coverage and education costs.

  6. Note missing documents and next steps.

Safety reminders for tax preparers

  • Protect client data with secure systems
  • Verify client identity to prevent fraud
  • Follow IRS data security requirements
  • Take breaks during long tax-season days

PTIN · W-2 · 1099 · Standard deduction · Itemized deductions · Tax credit: see the full tax preparer glossary.

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