US
Accountants and tax in the US
Small business accountants, bookkeepers and tax returns. What to check in the US, our guides for this section, and a quick way to get quotes.
What matters in the US
Key points from our guides. Each card links to the full section.
Attorneys, CPAs and other professionals
Attorneys are admitted to practise by individual states, and each state has a bar that keeps a public directory. Check that an attorney is licensed in your state and in good standing, and whether they have any disciplinary history. Our guide to lawyer fees explains hourly, flat fee, retainer and contingency arrangements.
From: Hiring contractors and professionals in the USQualifications to look for: United States
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is licensed by a state board of accountancy; you can verify a licence through the state board. An enrolled agent (EA) is licensed by the IRS, specialises in tax and can represent taxpayers before the IRS.
From: Hiring an accountant for a small businessUnited States: tax preparers, CPAs and enrolled agents
US tax preparers range widely in training. Anyone who prepares federal returns for pay must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS and must include it on the return they prepare. A PTIN shows the person is registered, not that they are qualified. Credentials that do mean training and oversight include:
From: Getting help with your tax returnQualifications and regulation: United States
Bookkeepers are not licensed, though voluntary certifications exist from bookkeeping associations. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is licensed by a state board of accountancy, and an enrolled agent is licensed by the IRS for tax work. Anyone paid to prepare federal returns needs a PTIN.
From: Bookkeeper vs accountant: which one you needFind an accountant in the US
Describe what you need, from a tax return to monthly bookkeeping, and compare proposals from accountants.