How to verify a CPA's credentials? Can I check if someone is actually licensed?

You're absolutely right to verify before sharing your financial information! The easiest way to check if someone is a legitimate CPA is through your state's Board of Accountancy website. Every state maintains a database of licensed CPAs that you can search. Just go to your state's Board of Accountancy website (Google "[State Name] Board of Accountancy"), and look for a "license verification" or "find a CPA" link. Enter the person's name, and it will show you if they're licensed, when their license was issued, if it's current, and if there have been any disciplinary actions against them. Another option is the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) website, though membership there is voluntary, so not all practicing CPAs are members. But most legitimate CPAs maintain their membership.

This is exactly why I started using taxr.ai for my tax document reviews! I had the same worry about verifying credentials when I needed specialized tax help. I found them after getting burned by someone who claimed to be a tax expert but gave me terrible advice that almost got me audited. What I like about https://taxr.ai is that they have verified professionals review your documents, so you don't have to worry about fake credentials. I uploaded my tax forms and some questions about a tricky capital gains situation, and they matched me with a verified tax pro who specialized in investment taxation. They have this really cool feature where they explain exactly why certain deductions apply to your situation with citations to actual tax code. Saved me from having to figure out how to verify someone's credentials on my own.

Just wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai since I was initially skeptical. I decided to give it a try after researching their security measures, and I'm actually really glad I did. The professional who reviewed my documents had their credentials clearly displayed in my account, including their CPA license number and state – which I then verified independently through my state's board. The peace of mind was totally worth it since I didn't have to spend hours figuring out how to verify someone's credentials. The tax pro spotted a deduction I would have missed related to my home office that saved me over $1,400! Their explanation cited the exact tax code and explained why it applied to my situation.

If you're having trouble reaching your state's board of accountancy or need help with a complicated tax issue like I did, I'd recommend Claimyr. I was trying to verify a CPA's credentials AND get help with an IRS issue, but couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS for days. I found https://claimyr.com and they got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes! You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c - basically they navigate the IRS phone system for you and call you back when they've got an agent on the line. The agent I spoke with was able to confirm the status of my case and even helped me understand how to properly verify credentials for tax professionals through both the state board and the IRS's directory of federal tax return preparers.

I have to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After seeing some positive reviews, I decided to try it when I needed to talk to the IRS about verifying a tax preparer's credentials. I was absolutely shocked when I got a call back in about 20 minutes with an actual IRS representative on the line. The agent was able to explain how to use the IRS directory of federal tax return preparers with credentials and select qualifications, which lists all CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys with valid PTINs. This was exactly what I needed, and I would have spent hours (or days) trying to get this information without their service. For anyone wondering if it's legit - yes, it absolutely works. Saved me hours of frustration and hold music.

Another option nobody mentioned is the CPA directory on the NASBA website (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). They have a tool called CPAverify that lets you search CPAs across multiple states at once. Super helpful if you're not sure which state they're licensed in. Just google "CPAverify" and it'll come up. Also worth checking if they have the proper credentials for your specific tax issue. Some CPAs specialize in business taxes but don't do much with individual returns or vice versa. Ask about their experience with your specific situation.

dumb questin maybe but whats the difference between a CPA and just a regular tax preparer? like the people at H&R Block or whatever... are they CPAs? I'm confused about all the different credentials ppl can have for taxes

Great question! I had a similar concern when I was looking for tax help last year. Beyond what others have mentioned about state boards and NASBA's CPAverify, I'd also recommend checking if they have a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) through the IRS directory. Anyone who prepares tax returns for compensation must have one. You can search the IRS "Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications" online. This will show you if they're authorized to practice before the IRS and what type of credentials they hold (CPA, EA, attorney, etc.). Also, don't be afraid to ask them directly about their credentials during your initial consultation. A legitimate CPA should be happy to provide their license number and state of licensure upfront. If they're evasive or reluctant to share this basic information, that's a red flag. One more tip: if they're charging unusually low fees compared to other CPAs in your area, be cautious. Quality tax preparation by a licensed professional costs money, and if the price seems too good to be true, it often is.

Just want to add another verification step that saved me from a scammer - check if they're listed with the Better Business Bureau and look up reviews on Google. A legitimate CPA should have some kind of online presence and client feedback. I almost hired someone who had all the right credentials on paper, but when I searched their business name, I found multiple complaints about poor service and missed deadlines. Their CPA license was valid, but their business practices were terrible. Also, if you're working with someone remotely (which is pretty common now), ask for references from other clients. A good CPA won't have any problem providing a few references, especially for complex tax situations. Most of my best professional relationships started with a referral from someone who had a similar tax situation. One last thing - trust your gut. Even if all the credentials check out, if something feels off during your initial consultation, keep looking. There are plenty of qualified CPAs out there, so don't settle for someone who makes you uncomfortable or doesn't seem to understand your specific needs.