While mainly students are aware that accountants frequently assist their clients with tax returns and other tax issues, few are aware of the large number of diverse and challenging careers available in the field of taxation. The majority public accounting firms, ranging from the "Big 4" international firms to the sole practitioner generate a significant portion of their fees through tax compliance planning and consulting. With more than 155 million individual tax returns filed in the US every year it isn't surprising that many individuals and most businesses need assistance in dealing with the incredibly complex US and international tax laws. This complexity also provides tremendous tax planning opportunities. Since a tax specialist you will demonstrate individual clients how to reduce their taxes while simultaneously helping them make decisions about buying a house, investing, funding their children's education and planning their retirement. Intended for your business clients careful planning and structuring of business investments and transactions can save millions of dollars in taxes. Actually it is safe to say that very few significant business transactions take place without the careful guidance of a tax specialist.