Tax accounting and preparation occupies a central place in the financial lives of individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises.
The complexity of modern tax codes, the need for compliance, and the desire to optimize tax outcomes have created a robust ecosystem of organizations, companies, and professional associations dedicated to assisting taxpayers. These entities range from global accounting firms to local preparers, from credentialing bodies to advocacy organizations, and from educational networks to volunteer-based community programs.
Tax accounting is a specialized branch of accounting focused on preparing tax returns, planning for future tax obligations, and ensuring compliance with tax laws. It differs from financial accounting in that it adheres to tax regulations rather than general accounting standards. Its purpose is. both retrospective (accurately reporting past income and deducations) and prospective (strategically planning to minimize future tax liabilities within legal boundaries). Tax accounting services often include bookkeeping, payroll support, advisory services, and representation before tax authorities.
Tax preparation, a subset of tax accounting, involves gathering financial information, applying tax rules, and completing required filings. It is performed by a wide range of professionals, including CPAs, enrolled agents, tax attorneys, certified preparers, and seasonal preparers working under supervision. The IRS encourages taxpayers to choose preparers with professional credentials or membership in reputable associations, emphasizing competence and ethical standards.
Professional associations play a role in shaping the tax preparation industry. They provide education, continuing professional development, advocacy, networking, and often certification programs that signal competence to clients.
The National Society of Accountants (NSA) represents tens of thousands of independent practitioners, including accountants, enrolled agents, tax preparers, and small-firm CPAs. It focuses on continuing education, practice rights advocacy, and member services tailored to small practices. It is widely recognized as a key organization for independent tax professionals.
According to industry sources, several well-respected associations support tax preparers through education, networking, and professional development opportunities. These include the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). These organizations help maintain professional standards and ensure that preparers stay current with evolving tax laws.
The tax preparation landscape includes a wide scope of companies, including large national tax preparation chains (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax Service), CPA firms and accounting practices (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), enrolled agent practices, and bookkeeping and payroll companies (ADP, Paychex), and cloud-based and software-driven providers (Intuit, TaxAct, TaxSlayer).
Not all tax preparation support comes from commercial or professional entities. Community-based programs also play a role. IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax preparation to low-income individuals, seniors, and underserved populations. Volunteers receive IRS training and certification. AARP Tax-Aide offers free tax help to older adults, staffed by trained volunteers. These programs expand access to competent tax preparation for those who might otherwise struggle with filing requirements.
The importance of tax accounting and preparation organizations lie in several key functions, including ensuring compliance, protecting taxpayers, supporting small businesses, enhancing professional credibility, and advancing the profession.
In recent years, the industry has evolved through automation and AI in tax software, cloud accounting systems, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and increased demand for advisory services beyond simple compliance. Professional organizations and companies are adapting by offering more specialized training, digital tools, and hybrid service models.
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H&R Block is a full-service tax company offering online do-it-yourself (DIY) software, live help, and in-person tax preparation. The company provides online tax filing, software you can buy or preorder, and in-person tax preparation at thousands of offices across the United States. Free federal and state filing is available on its free plan, while paid tiers add live help, audit support options, and more complex forms, and paid plans include access to tax experts, some of it AI-driven.
https://www.hrblock.com/
Produced by Intuit, TurboTax is a software package for preparation of American and Canadian income tax returns. Acknowledged as a market leader in its product segment, TurboTax competes with H&R Block Tax Software and TaxAct. It provides guided, interview-style tax preparation for individuals and small business owners, with options for a tax expert review, or completion of the return. The software was developed by Michael A. Chipman of Chipsoft in 1984 and sold to Intuit in 1993.
https://turbotax.intuit.com/
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, Jackson Hewitt is a nationwide tax-preparation firm that offers in-person and online tax filing, refund-advance loans, and guarantees on maximum refunds. It operates over 5,000 locations, including several inside Walmart stores. Pricing varies by complexity and location, and the advertised starting rates may not include state returns, schedules, or add-ons. Its guarantees are stated on the website.
https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/
Company offers specialist tax investigation services to individual taxpayers under investigation as well as professional accountants acting on behalf of clients. The strength, in-depth and expert knowledge of this company enables them to undertake the most complex cases and every type of fraud and tax investigation there is. They keep up to date with legislation and also experience the current tactics adopted by HMRC Tax Inspectors on a daily basis.
https://www.kinsellatax.co.uk/
National Association of Tax Professionals
The NATP is a US organization that offers support, education, products, and research services to tax professionals. Its members provide tax preparation and planning assistance to taxpayers. The organization publishes TAXPRO Weekly, TAXPRO Monthly, and TAXPRO Journal, and answers federal tax questions on issues such as individuals, corporations, partnerships, small and large businesses, and estates, gifts, and trusts. States, chapters, events, and educational programs are featured.
https://www.natptax.com/
TaxCafe publishes a line of tax guides for property investors, business owners, and others who need to keep up with changes in tax regulations in the United Kingdom, as well as accountants, solicitors, and other tax and financial professionals. The publisher offers guides for property taxes, business taxes, inheritance taxes, offshore taxes, and pensions. Also offered is a planning guide for company owners relating to the use of salaries, dividends, interest, rentals, and pensions.
https://www.taxcafe.co.uk/
TaxSlayer is a privately held tax preparation and tax software company based in Augusta, Georgia. Founded in 1965, the company offers online tax preparation for American consumers and tax professionals. The company produces software for several market segments: consumers, professional tax preparers, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (IRS VITA), and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program volunteers. Its products and pricing are noted, with comparisons.
https://www.taxslayer.com/
UK-based and focused on HMRC matters, WLH Tax is a UK firm specializing in HMRC tax investigations and related dispute work. They offer an initial free meeting and focus on reducing stress during inquiries. The company represents itself as specialists in tax investigations, tax fraud, and HMRC inquiries, combining accountants and lawyers to advise on Code of Practice 9 (COP9), VAT inspections, Contractual Disclosure Facility, and other investigations. Contacts are provided.
https://www.wlhtax.co.uk/
