In the USA, to Verify a Tax Advisor License, one should retrieve the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) of the tax advisor and look it up in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return. In case the advisor is a CPA, CPAverify.org. When they are an Enrolled Agent, verify them with the status of the IRS EA status tool. Also, always check the credentials on attorneys and CPAs with the state licensing board.
How to Verify a Tax Advisor License in the USA
Checking your tax advisor is also essential to make sure that you are dealing with a competent professional who is able to offer correct and sound advice. As a licensed tax advisor, he/she will guide you through the complicated tax laws and make the best use of the tax breaks.
Included are the following certifications:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA):
A CPA is registered by state boards of accountancy and has to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. The Board of Accountancy of the state can check their license. To get all the information about Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), visit our guide to CPAs in the United States.
Enrolled Agent (EA):
EAs are given the right by the IRS to represent the taxpayers before the agency. To check the status of an EA, visit the online directory of federally-authorized tax practitioners on the IRS.
Registration of Tax Preparers:
Tax preparers are required to be registered by the IRS and take a competency exam. If you verify their registration, visit the IRS or the online lookup tool of IRS. To be sure that the person you are hiring is a qualified tax advisor, there is always a need to verify their license status and the authentication of certifications through the right channels. To get more information, check our article regarding Tax Advisors, CPAs and Accountants in the USA.
Why It’s Important to Verify a Tax Advisor’s License
Avoid Fraudulent Tax Advisors
Unlicensed or unqualified tax professionals pose a great risk to their clients, as they are prone to committing fraud, making tax mistakes, or face fines. Being cheated by fraudulent tax advisors, using incorrect claims or even identity theft is possible. One way of eliminating these dangers is by ensuring that your tax consultant is duly licensed and registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities, e.g., IRS or state accountancy boards. An accredited tax advisor makes sure that the services given are in compliance with the federal and state tax regulations.
Protecting Your Financial Interests
By employing a licensed tax advisor, you will have access to superior, more professional services. A certified advisor (CPA or an Enrolled Agent (EA)) is someone who has successfully passed tough exams and ethical codes and standards put forward by professional bodies. They are adept and possess the knowhow of giving proper advice and protecting your financial interests. A tax advisor who has been accredited by an established institution will guarantee that you get the best advice possible and minimize chances of making expensive errors, imposed fines or even loss of tax savings.
When to Verify a Tax Advisor’s License
Before Hiring a Tax Advisor
Before using the services of a tax advisor, it is important to ensure that he or she is licensed. This will help in ensuring that the advisor must possess the necessary qualification and must be in a position to deliver professional tax advice. Check their qualifications immediately after initiating the selection process to prevent the eventualities ahead.
Before Tax Season
Check the license of your tax advisor a few months before the tax season, particularly when you want to engage him or her all year round. This makes them abreast with the new tax laws and regulations giving you the right information and updated advice on how to file your taxes.
When Your Tax Situation Changes
You have a significant change in your tax situation, be it a life event such as marriage or owning a home or a business venture you should ensure that your tax advisor is qualified to deal with those new complexities. When it comes to more complicated tax situations, a licensed advisor is making sure that you are in the right hands.
When You Need Representation
You need an advocate in front of the IRS, i.e. during an audit or tax controversy, make sure that your tax professional is licensed, particularly when the person is an Enrolled Agent (EA), CPA, or attorney. Only certified specialists are capable of defending you in IRS.
Where to Verify a Tax Advisor’s License
1. State Board of Accountancy (for CPAs)
When your tax advisor is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you can check his license with the state board of accountancy in which he is registered. Every state has online license check tool. Your search can be done on the name of the CPA or the license number to see whether the CPA was or is still registered and has no disciplinary measures against him or her.
2. IRS Directory (for Enrolled Agents)
To confirm an Enrolled Agent (EA), go to the IRS web site and their online search by federally-approved tax practitioners. This is a directory of all EAs authorized to represent taxpayers before IRS. You may use a search criteria that is the name of the EA or PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number).
3. IRS Online Tax Preparer Directory (for Registered Tax Preparers)
The IRS also has an online directory where tax preparers who are not CPAs or EAs can check their registration status. To be able to practice, tax preparers must possess a PTIN and you can confirm that they are duly registered through the IRS Tax Preparer Directory.
4. Professional Organizations (for Certification Verification)
To confirm membership and certifications, professional organizations such as the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) or the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) have the means to do so. These are organizations which have standards to their members and you can check whether your advisor is of any of these organizations.
5. State Regulatory Agencies (for State-Certified Advisors)
In other states, the tax advisors may have other state licensing requirements including state tax preparation certifications or regulations. More verification options include checking with the department of revenue of your state or other similar agencies.
Steps to Verify a Tax Advisor’s License in the USA
Step 1: Check for Certification with the IRS
To confirm that a tax advisor is certified by the IRS, you may begin by finding out their Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN). The EFIN is an identifier number given to tax practitioners who are authorized to file tax returns electronically. This number should be owned by a licensed tax advisor and can be verified by IRS.
To be completely sure, you may rely on IRS National Tax Preparer Directory. This is an online tool that enables you to get tax preparers registered by the IRS. It gives them their status and gives them the right to act on behalf of taxpayers to the IRS. Also, the IRS provides a tool to check the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) of tax preparers.
Step 2: Verify State Licensing and Certification
Tax professionals (including Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax preparers) are controlled by state licensing boards. Every state has a board of accountancy, which has a registry of licensed CPAs, with some states also licensing or registering tax preparers.
In order to register the state certification of your tax advisor you visit the site of the state board of accountancy or state department of revenue (tax preparers). The status of the license or certification of a tax advisor can be verified through an online tool that is offered by most state boards. This will help the tax advisor to be in good standing with their state regulatory authority.
Step 3: Cross-Check with National Certification Bodies
Tax advisors can also receive certification by national professional bodies, in addition to IRS and state certification. An example is the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) that accredits tax advisors. Their qualifications confirm the professional level of the advisor and his/her compliance with the industry standards.
One can also visit the website of the NATP and other such organisations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to determine whether the tax advisor is certified by these organisations. A membership/certification with a professional organization that is recognized demonstrates that the tax adviser has successfully satisfied certain educational, ethical and competency requirements.
What to Look for When Verifying a Tax Advisor’s Qualifications
Understanding Different Certifications: CPA vs EA vs Tax Consultant
When checking qualifications of a tax advisor, it is important to be aware of various qualifications that a tax advisor can have. The following is a list of the most popular certifications:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA):
CPA is a qualified accounting professional that has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and other state-sector specific requirements. CPAs are well trained in taxes, accounting, auditing and financial planning. They also have permission to act on behalf of clients in front of IRS and to offer holistic financial advice, thus a reliable option among clients and businesses.
Enrolled Agent (EA):
EAs are tax professionals empowered by the IRS to submit petitions on behalf of the taxpayers in front of the agency. They must also complete an extensive IRS test on tax laws and regulations. EAs are experts in preparing tax and can present clients with cases like audit, collections and appeal. In comparison to CPAs, EAs are federally licensed, and they can practice in any state of the USA.
Tax Consultant:
The Tax consultants can possess different levels of qualification, and not necessarily be licensed or regulated similarly to CPAs or EAs. Tax consultants usually give advice on tax-related topics and can help prepare tax planning, but they cannot legally represent a client before the IRS unless they are certified such as the CPA or EA.
All the certifications represent the next stage of knowledge, and it is better to choose a proven tax worker in order to be sure about the quality and quality of service.
Tax Advisor vs CPA vs Accountant: Key Differences & Comparisons (2026 Guide)
How to Find an Accredited Tax Professional
To validate the accreditation of a tax professional, follow the following steps: Learn about our comprehensive outline of how to hire an accredited tax advisor in the United States.
IRS Directory:
This is by using the IRS National Tax Preparer Directory to check whether the tax professional is registered with the IRS and has an active Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Another way you can determine whether they are certified to represent a client before the IRS is by checking whether or not they have an Enrolled Agent (EA) certification.
State Board of Accountancy (CPAs):
CPAs can check their license by going to the site of the state board of accountancy. The majority of the states have a tool available on the Internet where you can look up the name or the license number to confirm that the CPA is active and in good standing.
Professional Organizations:
To be even more credible, make sure that the tax advisor belongs to reputable professional organizations, e.g., the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). These organizations frequently involve a membership that is accompanied by ethical standards and further studies, which means that the member must keep up with the tax legislation and best practices.
Tools and Resources for Verifying Tax Advisor Credentials
Using the IRS National Preparer Registry
The IRS National Preparer Registry is a free online application which lets you find tax preparers registered with the IRS. The directory also comprises tax professionals that have an active Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) which is necessary to all tax preparers.
To use the tool:
- See the IRS NPD on the IRS site.
- Enter the name or PTIN of tax advisor.
- Check search outcomes to verify whether the advisor is registered or not and can also file taxes.
- This instrument will verify the authorisation of the tax preparer to submit taxes and the qualification of the tax preparer to help you. Also, you can make sure that they have other qualifications such as the Enrolled Agent (EA), which gives them the authority to represent their clients before the IRS.
State Licensing Boards and Their Role
The Board of Accountancy or Department of Revenue is an oversight body of tax professionals, such as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and state-licensed tax preparers, which is a responsibility of every state in the USA. Confirmation with the relevant state licensing board is done to ascertain that the tax advisor is licensed to practice in your state.
- To verify the status of tax advisor with state boards:
- Look at the State Board of Accountancy site of CPAs.
- Search by the name or the license number of the advisor.
- Confirm that they have an active license and that they have not been subjected to any disciplinary measures.
- In other states, tax preparers are required to go to the State Department of Revenue to ensure that they are registered. The majority of state boards offer an online verification option, and thus, it is not difficult to verify their status.
Check with Professional Associations and Directories
Tax advisor credentials can be verified by professional bodies such as the National association of tax professionals (NATP), National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
- NATP: National association of tax professionals (NATP) gives a list of members of the association. Tax advisors are usually expected to maintain a high level of ethical standards and engage in continuing education that keeps them abreast with the tax laws, which makes them eligible to hold membership.
- NAEA: Enrolled Agents have an online look up of agents provided by the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). These practitioners are licensed by the federal government to represent the clients before the IRS, which serves as an added in terms of the qualification aspect.
- AICPA: In the case of CPAs, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has a list through which you can find out whether your advisor is a member. AICPA membership is a sign that the CPA has passed strict educational and ethical standards.
- Through such directories and professional associations, you are guaranteed of a well qualified tax advisor who is dedicated to professional growth.
Red Flags: How to Spot an Unlicensed Tax Advisor
Warning Signs of an Unqualified Tax Professional
To choose a tax advisor, one should be careful to avoid some red flags that can signify the unlicensed or unqualified professional:
Unregistered EFIN Numbers:
When a tax advisor asserts that he is filing electronically and does not have an Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), it is a big red flag. The IRS allows you to verify this number to ensure that they are legitimate.
Lack of Proof of Certification:
A licensed professional, which can be a CPA or an Enrolled Agent (EA), is expected to be able to demonstrate his/ her certification. In case a tax advisor refuses or cannot give the credentials or have the ability to give the license verification, then it may indicate that the person is not well qualified.
Exaggerated Claims:
You should beware of tax advisors who claim to get you unrealistic refunds, guarantee you a certain result of your filing, or claim to locate certain deductions that sound too good to be true. This is the usual tactic that fraudulent professionals employ to attract unsuspecting clients.
Unprofessional Behavior:
An unlicensed tax advisor can portray unprofessionalism which can be in form of poor communication, transparency in pricing or unwillingness to clarify the tax process. A professional tax adviser will make it clear and truthful as to what they are offering.
No PTIN: Tax preparers need to be assigned a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) by the IRS. Otherwise, they have no right to prepare taxes. Their PTIN must always be requested and authenticated with the IRS.
How to Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud
To avoid being a victim of tax fraud, it is important to be more alert and adhere to several essential steps:
Check Credentials:
Never rely on the credentials of the tax advisor without using the IRS, state boards or professional associations credentials (e.g. AICPA, NATP, NAEA). Enlist the help of such tools as the IRS National Preparer Registry or state certification sites.
Watch Out of Pocket:
Never pay an advance fee to a tax advisor who asks you to pay a great deal of money without any services. Malicious tax practitioners usually require payment in advance before undertaking any task, unlike the genuine advisors who levy their fees after providing services.
Make sure to have a safe flow of communication:
Only communicate personal data in a safe channel. Emailing sensitive information or using unsecure websites should be avoided. Always make sure that your personal information is encrypted or shared in a secure way by the tax advisor.
Ask Questions:
Do not be afraid to ask the advisor questions regarding his/her qualifications, experience, and process. You will be provided with a qualified professional who will be ready to answer your questions and explain everything.
Be wary of too good to be True Promises:
When the tax advisor promises huge refunds or tells you that he will help you avoid taxes altogether, these are big red flags. Nobody is under obligation to guarantee any refund or any particular performance of your tax return.
Red Flag Test in the Contract:
Be it your tax advisor, make sure that he or she has a written agreement with you that describes his/her services, fees as well as his/her responsibilities. Any advisor who is reluctant to sign a formal contract should be avoided.
With these clues and carefulness, you can avoid falling prey to a fraud and be assured to be dealing with a competent and reputable tax professional. To know all about hiring a tax adviser, read our in-depth guide on red flags to be careful of when hiring one in USA.
Red Flags When Hiring a Tax Advisor in the USA: A Complete Guide (2026)
What to Do If You Discover Your Tax Advisor Is Not Licensed
Report an Unlicensed Tax Advisor
In the event that you realize that your tax advisor is unlicensed or is committing fraud, it is a good idea to take action. Reporting an unlicensed tax professional also helps to guard others against becoming victims of scams or bad service.
Report to the IRS:
In case the advisor is filing your taxes without a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or falsely specifying that they can represent you in front of the IRS, you should report them to the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR). Form 14157 is used to file a complaint and it is found on the IRS site.
IRS OPR Contact Information:
- Form 14157: IRS Form 14157
- IRS Phone: 1-800-829-1040
- State Boards Reports:
- In case the tax advisor states that he is a CPA or licensed by a state board of accountancy and is actually not, he should be reported to the state board of accountancy. Every state possesses a regulatory authority that oversees CPAs and they furnish resources to file complaints.
- See the state board of accountancy site to know how to file a complaint.
- Report to the Better Business Bureau (BBB): Another option is to report to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) who will also raise awareness of fraudulent practices of the unlicensed professional. The BBB keeps a database of business and professionals to assist potential clients in making an informed choice.
Finding a Qualified Replacement
In the event that you find that your tax consultant is not licensed, it is important to ensure that you seek an immediate substitute that is a certified and qualified advisor to do your tax work. The following are some of the ways you can identify a qualified tax practitioner:
Visit IRS National Preparer Directory:
The IRS National Preparer Directory will enable you to search registered tax preparers with a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). It is a simple and fast method of registering the advisor with the IRS.
Check State licensing:
In the case of CPAs, refer to the webpage of your state board of accountancy where qualified and licensed professionals are found. You may check their credentials by searching through the name or license number.
Get Recommendations by People you can rely on:
Request your friends, family or colleagues to introduce you to good and licensed tax advisors. Someone can be found often in personal referral as it is one of the best ways to find someone who is trustworthy.
Confirm Professional Certifications:
Check the credentials of tax professionals by seeking those with Certified Public Accountants (CPA) or Enrolled Agents (EA) or the members of the known professional organizations such as National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) or American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). The fact that the advisor is under ethical obligations and that he or she must be continually educated is a guarantee of membership in these organizations.
Juxtapose Online Directories:
You may use online directories that belong to reputable organizations like NATP and NAEA to locate qualified tax advisors within a short period of time. With these directories you can search and find the tax professionals depending on their location and specialization.
Immediate action of reporting an unlicensed advisor and identification of a qualified replacement will guarantee that your tax matters are done properly and that you will be spared of possible fraud and expensive errors.
Conclusion: Ensuring You Hire a Licensed Tax Advisor in the USA
Final Tips for Verifying Your Tax Advisor
It is important to note that you make a choice of an authorized and a qualified tax advisor to help you to file your taxes correctly and legally. The following is a brief overview of what you should look at when checking the qualifications of your tax advisor:
Check IRS Registration:
To make sure that your tax adviser is registered with the IRS, you can use the IRS National Preparer Directory and look up the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
Confirm State Licensing:
In the case of CPAs, check the state board of accountants online site to confirm that the licenses are valid and all is well. In the case of tax preparers, ensure that they are certified in their state by the relevant state authority.
Cross-Check Professional Certifications:
Check that your tax consultant is a reputable accountant with a certification of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Enrolled Agent (EA), or a professional group such as the AICPA or NATP.
Take warning:
Red flags Be wary of tax advisors who cannot present evidence of certification, promise unrealistic things, or do not approach the standards of the profession.
Through a careful procedure and by checking the qualifications of your tax advisor by the right authority, you can be assured of a competent professional who can deal with your tax matters with maximum accuracy and conformity.
FAQs Section
What do I do to check the license of a tax advisor by the IRS?
The IRS National Preparer Directory is a tool to confirm that a tax advisor is licensed by the IRS. This is an online tool that enables you to locate tax preparers registered with the IRS either by Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) or by name. It assists in establishing whether or not the tax advisor is qualified to prepare taxes and whether he or she is certified.
2. What is a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN)?
The IRS assigns a special number called Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to tax professionals who have permission to prepare tax returns. Every tax preparer must be assigned a PTIN. To identify the registration of a tax advisor, you can check the IRS National Preparer Directory to confirm that the tax advisor is registered.
3. How do I verify a CPA’s license with a state board?
The certified public accountant (CPA) can be verified by going to the state board of accountancy (state license). The name or license number of a CPA can be checked on online tools provided by most state boards to verify the status of a CPA and to determine whether or not there have been any disciplinary measures.
4. What is the role of the IRS in verifying a tax advisor’s license?
The IRS is instrumental in the process of vetting tax advisors by ensuring that they comply with federal requirements. The tax preparers should be registered by the IRS and have a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). The IRS National Preparer Directory lets you check on whether they are registered and whether they have the right to represent you in IRS.
5. How can I verify if a tax advisor is an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
The IRS Enrolled Agent Directory can be used to check whether a tax advisor is an Enrolled Agent (EA). The IRS has a list of EAs who are federally authorized to represent taxpayers to the IRS. You can check their status and check their name in this directory.
6. How do I check if a tax advisor is a member of a professional organization?
Professional organizations, such as the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), or National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) have many reputable tax advisors. Having a look at the site of the corresponding association and using their directory will help you determine whether your tax advisor is a current member or not. Membership usually involves compliance, and a lifelong learning process.
7. What should I do if a tax advisor refuses to provide proof of certification?
When a tax advisor declines to demonstrate that he or she is certified or licensed, it is a significant warning sign. You ought to get another advisor who will be ready to discuss his or her status and credentials with you freely. A qualified, registered practitioner will be open approximately their credentials.
8. Can I check a tax advisor’s disciplinary history?
Yes, it is possible to view the disciplinary history of a tax professional. In case they are a CPA, you can look into their record, with the state board of accountancy that keeps records of disciplinary actions. As a tax preparer or EA, you may access any disciplinary history on the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility or the directory of the appropriate professional organization.