Tax and Estate Planning Assistant - Houston, TX

Our client, a reputable law firm in the Houston area, is seeking an experienced Paralegal to join their team. This is a full-time position with regular office hours from Monday to Friday.

Essential Functions

• Attend and record minutes during initial client meetings or telephone conferences as requested by the attorney.
• Prepare initial drafts of wills, trusts, and durable powers of attorney for attorney review.
• Assist in updating beneficiary designations to align with new estate planning documents.
• Maintain a list of ongoing gift tax returns and prepare U.S. Gift Tax Return (Form 709) as needed.
• Track deadlines related to multiple estates.
• Prepare necessary documents to initiate the probate/administration process.
• Assist attorneys during client meetings and document signings.
• Coordinate real estate and tangible personal property appraisals.
• Compile and assess the deceased's debts and administration expenses for possible deductions.
• Prepare various documents, including Form 706, Federal Form 8971, and State Estate & Inheritance Tax Returns.
• Handle requests for additional information from tax authorities.
• Draft waivers of accounting and approval of administration for beneficiaries.
• Prepare formal accounting reports for submission to the Court and Attorney General.
• Assist in funding marital and non-marital trusts and transferring assets to beneficiaries.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and the ability to multitask.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and pride in work.

Education and Experience

• Minimum requirement of a college degree.
• Preference given to candidates with a Paralegal Certificate or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• At least 1 year of experience working as a Paralegal preferred.