If I were interviewing candidates to replace me as a tax preparer, I would want to ask questions that go beyond technical knowledge and really get at how they$$ve handled real situations in the past. For example, I might ask, $$Can you tell me about a time when you had several clients waiting on returns and each had tight filing deadlines? How did you decide what to tackle first?$$ I$$d be listening for how they organize their work, handle pressure, and keep things moving without sacrificing accuracy.

I might also ask, $$Describe a situation where you had to work with a client who was stressed or upset about their taxes. How did you handle the conversation, and what was the end result?$$ Their answer would tell me a lot about their ability to manage client relationships, explain complex issues clearly, and maintain professionalism when things get tense.

Finally, I$$d want to know, $$Can you share an example of a time when you found an error or a potential deduction that significantly impacted a client$$s return?$$ I$$d expect this to show their attention to detail, their willingness to dig deeper, and their understanding of how their work affects clients$$ financial well$-$being.

These kinds of questions help me see not just what they know, but how they think and work when it matters most.