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Next step: one AI toolSource-backedVerified 2026-04-20

Accountant / Prepare and review federal and state tax returns

Pre-return client intake review with Claude.ai

Before you key the return, paste the client's documents checklist and last year's return summary into Claude.ai. Ask it to list missing forms, likely new deductions, and questions to ask the client, so the actual tax software entry is clean the first time.

Tool

Claude.ai

Open tool

Best for

Analysis & Decisions

Free tier covers seasonal client volume

Setup

15 min

One-time setup estimate

Workflow

  1. 1Collect the source material for "Prepare and review federal and state tax returns" before opening the tool.
  2. 2Run the starter prompt in Claude.ai and paste in the real context.
  3. 3Review the output for accuracy, tone, names, numbers, and policy-sensitive details.
  4. 4Save the improved prompt or checklist so the next run takes less time.

Inputs you need

  • - Accountant
  • - Prepare and review federal and state tax returns
  • - Examples, notes, files, or customer context for this task
  • - Your preferred tone, constraints, and final format

Expected output

  • - Pre-return client intake review with Claude.ai
  • - A usable draft or workflow for prepare and review federal and state tax returns
  • - A repeatable prompt you can improve after each run

Ready-to-copy asset

Starter prompt

You are helping a CPA prepare for a client tax return. Do NOT compute tax liability — organize inputs only.

Inputs:
- Prior-year return highlights: [PASTE summary]
- Client-submitted documents this year: [LIST]
- Known life/business changes: [LIST OR 'none reported']
- Jurisdictions: federal + [STATE(S)]

Return:
1) Documents that appear to be missing based on last year's return.
2) New deductions or credits the client may qualify for, each with the IRS form or publication reference.
3) Client questions needed before preparer can start.
4) Items flagged as 'CPA must verify' (complex or judgment calls).

Caveats

  • - Do a human review before sending, publishing, filing, or making a decision.
  • - Verify numbers, names, claims, citations, and compliance-sensitive details.
  • - AI drafts. You decide. Final responsibility is yours.

Measurable value

1.5 hrs saved per run

Before: 4 hrs. After: 2.5 hrs.

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