Many people are surprised to learn that there is no license required to be a tax preparer!! Anyone can call themselves a tax preparer and help fill out your taxes. However, if you pay them for their services, they must register with the IRS and receive a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number). They should be signing your tax return and inputting their PTIN number on your tax return, which shows they are the ones that prepared it. If they are not signing your return as a paid preparer, you should not be paying them!
In addition, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, New York, and Oregon have their own requirements for paid tax preparers in those states, with Maryland and Oregon even imposing their own state exams.
While there is no license for tax preparers in most states, there are some credentials that allow a person to represent you before the IRS.
CPA- Certified Public Accountant
EA- Enrolled Agent
Only these two credentials or an attorney can represent you before the IRS. However, there are many other tax professionals that are qualified and very experienced. Just make sure they have a PTIN and are signing their name on your tax return.
We here at Kramer Wealth Managers, encourage you to ask your financial professionals to ensure that they do have proper credentials, licensure, or registrations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure they are the right fit for the type of services you need.
We have developed a list of professionals in many states that are either fluent in ASL or have experience working with deaf clients through an interpreter. We want our clients to work with professionals who can help you to establish, build on, and support your financial goals. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We would be happy to discuss more with you.
