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How to Find the Best Tax Preparer Near You
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Ask for credentials, do a background search and compare fees to find the right tax preparer near you.
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23 years of experience Expertise Taxes Small business Social Security and estate planning Home services RIATina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets.
Tina Orem is an editor and content strategist at NerdWallet. Prior to becoming an editor and content strategist, she covered small business and taxes at NerdWallet. She has a degree in finance, as well as a master's degree in journalism and an MBA. Previously, she was a financial analyst and director of finance at public and private companies. Tina's work has appeared in a variety of local and national media outlets. Published in Editor & Content Strategist + more + more
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Chris Hutchison helped build NerdWallet's editorial operation and has directed coverage across banking, investing, taxes and insurance. He now leads a team exploring new verticals. Before joining NerdWallet, he was an editor and programmer at ESPN and an editor at the San Jose Mercury News. Head of Content, New Verticals + more + more
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2 years of experience Expertise Personal income taxes Investing basics Investment fundsBella Avila is a content management specialist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Bella Avila is a content management specialist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Content Management Specialist + more + moreMaybe you've worked with a tax preparer before, but did you ever ask them about their credentials?
Maybe you've worked with a tax preparer before, but did you ever ask them about their credentials?Many people don't, even though tax preparers have access to information about your most personal details, including your bank accounts, your marriage, your kids — and your Social Security number.
Many people don't, even though tax preparers have access to information about your most personal details, including your bank accounts, your marriage, your kids — and your Social Security number.Here are eight tips on how to find the best tax professional or tax preparer near you.
Here are eight tips on how to find the best tax professional or tax preparer near you.8 tips for finding a tax preparer or tax professional near you
8 tips for finding a tax preparer or tax professional near you1. Ask for a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)
1. Ask for a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)The IRS requires anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation to have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN)
The IRS requires anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation to have a preparer tax identification number ( PTIN ) Internal Reveue Service. PTIN Requirements for Tax Return Preparers. Accessed Jan 3, 2025. . Note the phrase “for compensation” — volunteer tax preparers don’t need PTINs. Make sure your income tax preparer puts their PTIN number on your return; the IRS requires that, too.» MORE: Try our free tax calculator
» MORE: » MORE: Try our free tax calculator2. Require a CPA, law license or enrolled agent designation
2. Require a CPA, law license or enrolled agent designationHow do you find the best tax preparer near you with the credentials you want? One way is to search the IRS’s directory. It includes preparers with PTINs and IRS-recognized professional credentials. Volunteer preparers and preparers with just PTINs won’t be in the database.
How do you find the best tax preparer near you with the credentials you want? One way is to search the IRS’s directory . It includes preparers with PTINs and IRS-recognized professional credentials. Volunteer preparers and preparers with just PTINs won’t be in the database.A PTIN is a basic requirement that's relatively easy to get, though, so it doesn’t hurt to go a step further and seek out a credentialed preparer who’s also a certified public accountant (CPA), a licensed attorney or an enrolled agent (EA). The amount of ongoing study for each designation will vary, but these professionals are generally held to a higher standard of education and expertise.
A PTIN is a basic requirement that's relatively easy to get, though, so it doesn’t hurt to go a step further and seek out a credentialed preparer who’s also a certified public accountant (CPA), a licensed attorney or an enrolled agent (EA). The amount of ongoing study for each designation will vary, but these professionals are generally held to a higher standard of education and expertise.You can also consider working with a tax pro who has completed the IRS’ Annual Filing Season program. The Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor and Accredited Tax Preparer are examples of programs that help preparers fulfill the Annual Filing Season Program requirement.
You can also consider working with a tax pro who has completed the IRS’ Annual Filing Season program. The Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor and Accredited Tax Preparer are examples of programs that help preparers fulfill the Annual Filing Season Program requirement. AD Owe $10,000+ or More? This Tax Season Could Be Your Chance to Qualify Each year the IRS writes off millions in tax debt, yet few have applied. Learn moreon Anthem Tax Services' website
AD Let’s resolve your tax issues: Tax Relief & Resolution Services for IRS Tax Debt Certified Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and Tax Attorneys on your case. Learn moreon TaxRise's website
3. Look for friends in high places
3. Look for friends in high placesMembership in a professional organization is always a good thing to have in a tax pro, as most have codes of ethics, professional conduct requirements and various certification programs. Professional associations may also be better equipped to connect you with a tax preparer whose experience and background meet your needs.
Membership in a professional organization is always a good thing to have in a tax pro, as most have codes of ethics, professional conduct requirements and various certification programs. Professional associations may also be better equipped to connect you with a tax preparer whose experience and background meet your needs.A few notable organizations include:
A few notable organizations include:American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).
National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants (NSBCPA).
National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants (NSBCPA).National Society of Enrolled Agents (NAEA).
National Society of Enrolled Agents (NAEA).The International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA).
The International Society of Filipinos in Finance and Accounting (ISFFA).If you already work with a financial advisor, you can also check to see if they offer tax planning or advisory services. Their firm may be able to easily connect you with a tax pro.
If you already work with a financial advisor , you can also check to see if they offer tax planning or advisory services. Their firm may be able to easily connect you with a tax pro.4. Do a background search
4. Do a background searchLooking into someone's credentials or work history might not be the first thing on your mind when you need to get your taxes done, but taking that extra step could ensure that your financial information is in safe hands. One way to do so is to check the preparer or firm's reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also dig deeper into your preparer's background, depending on their specific title:
Looking into someone's credentials or work history might not be the first thing on your mind when you need to get your taxes done, but taking that extra step could ensure that your financial information is in safe hands. One way to do so is to check the preparer or firm's reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You can also dig deeper into your preparer's background, depending on their specific title:Enrolled agents: Verify their title by emailing the IRS at epp@irs.gov
Enrolled agents: Enrolled agents: Verify their title by emailing the IRS at epp@irs.gov Internal Revenue Service. Verify the Status of an Enrolled Agent. Accessed Jan 3, 2025. .Certified public accountants: Use the CPA Verify tool or check with your state's board of accountancy.
Certified public accountants: Certified public accountants: Use the CPA Verify tool or check with your state's board of accountancy.Tax attorneys: Contact your state's bar association.
Tax attorneys: Tax attorneys: Contact your state's bar association.5. Compare tax preparation fees
5. Compare tax preparation feesHow much do tax preparers charge? According to a 2023 Drake Software survey of over 1,000 tax preparers in the United States, those surveyed expected to charge an average fee of $251 for preparing a nonitemized Form 1040 in 2024. For an itemized Form 1040, that fee jumped to $298
How much do tax preparers charge? According to a 2023 Drake Software survey of over 1,000 tax preparers in the United States, those surveyed expected to charge an average fee of $251 for preparing a nonitemized Form 1040 in 2024. For an itemized Form 1040, that fee jumped to $298 Drake Software. Drake Software 2023 How Do Your Tax Prep Fees Stack Up?. Accessed Jan 10, 2024. .Often, tax preparers either charge a minimum fee, plus cost based on the complexity of your return, or they charge a set fee for each form and schedule needed in your return. If you come across a tax preparer whose fee is based on the size of your refund or who says they can get you a bigger refund than the next person, that's a red flag.
Often, tax preparers either charge a minimum fee, plus cost based on the complexity of your return, or they charge a set fee for each form and schedule needed in your return. If you come across a tax preparer whose fee is based on the size of your refund or who says they can get you a bigger refund than the next person, that's a red flag. AD Owe $10,000+ or More? This Tax Season Could Be Your Chance to Qualify Each year the IRS writes off millions in tax debt, yet few have applied. Learn moreon Anthem Tax Services' website
AD Let’s resolve your tax issues: Tax Relief & Resolution Services for IRS Tax Debt Certified Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and Tax Attorneys on your case. Learn moreon TaxRise's website
6. Reconsider tax preparers who don't e-file
6. Reconsider tax preparers who don't e-fileThe IRS requires any paid preparer who does more than 11 returns for clients to file electronically via the IRS’ e-file system
The IRS requires any paid preparer who does more than 11 returns for clients to file electronically via the IRS’ e-file system Internal Revenue Service. Frequently Asked Questions: E-file Requirements for Specified Tax Return Preparers . Accessed Jan 3, 2025. . If your tax preparer doesn’t offer e-file, it may be a sign the person isn’t doing as much tax prep as you thought.7. Confirm they'll sign on the dotted line
7. Confirm they'll sign on the dotted lineThe law requires paid preparers to sign their clients’ returns and provide their PTINs
The law requires paid preparers to sign their clients’ returns and provide their PTINs Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 254, How to Choose a Tax Return Preparer. Accessed Jan 3, 2025. . Never sign a blank tax return — the preparer could put anything on the return, including their own bank account number in order to steal your refund.8. Check if they would have your back
8. Check if they would have your backEnrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys with PTINs can represent you in front of the IRS on audits, payments, collection issues, and appeals
Enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys with PTINs can represent you in front of the IRS on audits, payments, collection issues , and appeals Internal Revenue Service. Topic No. 254, How to Choose a Tax Return Preparer. Accessed Jan 3, 2025. . Preparers who just have PTINs can’t — even if they prepared your return. Preparers who complete the Annual Filing Season Program can represent clients only in limited circumstances.Availability is also crucial. Even after the filing season is over and your tax return is filed, the best tax preparers will take your call, respond to your email, or welcome you for a visit.
Availability is also crucial. Even after the filing season is over and your tax return is filed, the best tax preparers will take your call, respond to your email, or welcome you for a visit.If meeting with a tax pro in person isn't critical, you may consider getting help online. Many online tax preparers now offer live assistance, so if you do have a question while you're filing, you can get help in real time.
If meeting with a tax pro in person isn't critical, you may consider getting help online. Many online tax preparers now offer live assistance, so if you do have a question while you're filing, you can get help in real time.» Some filing programs offer access to tax pros: Explore our picks for the best tax software
» Some filing programs offer access to tax pros: » Some filing programs offer access to tax pros: Explore our picks for the best tax softwareIs it worth going to a tax preparer?
Is it worth going to a tax preparer?If you have a pretty simple tax return, you may not need anything more than a free tax filing service. Paid packages from tax providers can also be a less expensive way for people with more complicated tax situations to get their taxes done rather than seeing an in-person professional.
If you have a pretty simple tax return, you may not need anything more than a free tax filing service . Paid packages from tax providers can also be a less expensive way for people with more complicated tax situations to get their taxes done rather than seeing an in-person professional."I am a proponent for self-preparation when individuals are young and just starting out with a simple W-2," Angie Toney, a CPA in the Washington D.C. area, said in an email interview. "It will give some basic understanding of how taxes are prepared, and taxpayers should actually read the return after it is completed."
"I am a proponent for self-preparation when individuals are young and just starting out with a simple W-2," Angie Toney, a CPA in the Washington D.C. area, said in an email interview. "It will give some basic understanding of how taxes are prepared, and taxpayers should actually read the return after it is completed."If you run a small business, have a tricky tax year, are a new investor or just want to talk with a person face to face, working with a tax preparer or another tax professional may be worth it.
If you run a small business, have a tricky tax year, are a new investor or just want to talk with a person face to face, working with a tax preparer or another tax professional may be worth it.What's the difference between a CPA and a tax preparer?
What's the difference between a CPA and a tax preparer?A certified public accountant (CPA) is a person who has obtained licensing to practice as an accountant through a combination of educational requirements and exams. They may specialize in certain fields of accounting, such as taxation.
A certified public accountant (CPA) is a person who has obtained licensing to practice as an accountant through a combination of educational requirements and exams. They may specialize in certain fields of accounting, such as taxation.On the other hand, the term "tax preparer" is a catch-all category for both credentialed and noncredentialed professionals who prepare tax returns. The IRS mandates that anyone who receives compensation in exchange for preparing a tax return must have a preparer tax identification number.
On the other hand, the term "tax preparer" is a catch-all category for both credentialed and noncredentialed professionals who prepare tax returns. The IRS mandates that anyone who receives compensation in exchange for preparing a tax return must have a preparer tax identification number.» MORE: Need a CPA for your taxes? How to find and vet one
» MORE: » MORE: » MORE: Need a CPA for your taxes? How to find and vet one Frequently asked questionsTaxpayers who make below a certain income may qualify for the IRS' Free File program, where you can access tax software from several brand-name providers for free. To qualify for Free File last tax season, taxpayers must have had an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025.
Taxpayers who make below a certain income may qualify for the IRS' Free File program, where you can access tax software from several brand-name providers for free. To qualify for Free File last tax season, taxpayers must have had an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025.All of the tax software providers we review also offer a free tier for filers with simple returns.
All of the tax software providers we review also offer a free tier for filers with simple returns.The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026, for most people.
The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026, for most people.Filing Form 4868 by Tax Day gives filers a six-month tax extension, but keep in mind that your tax bill is still due by the regular mid-April deadline.
Filing Form 4868 by Tax Day gives filers a six-month tax extension , but keep in mind that your tax bill is still due by the regular mid-April deadline.Taxpayers who make below a certain income may qualify for the
IRS' Free File program,
where you can access tax software from several brand-name providers for free. To qualify for Free File last tax season, taxpayers must have had an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025.
All of the tax software providers we review also offer a free tier for filers with simple returns.
The
tax filing deadline
is April 15, 2026, for most people.
Filing Form 4868 by Tax Day gives filers a six-month
tax extension
, but keep in mind that your tax bill is still due by the regular mid-April deadline.
Helpful resources
Helpful resources H&R Block Review 2026: Pricing, Features, Ease of Use TurboTax Review 2026: Pricing, Features, Ease of Use TaxAct Review 2026: Pricing, Features & Ease of Use TaxSlayer Review 2026: Pricing, Features, Ease of Use More like this Taxes IRS Free File: What It Is, How It Works Interested in the IRS Free File service? All you need to know about the program, plus other IRS options for free tax filing. 2 By Sabrina Parys, Tina Orem 10 Key IRS Tax Forms, Schedules and Publications for 2026 Here are some major IRS tax forms, schedules and publications everyone should know. Tina Orem 1040 Form: What It Is, How to Fill One Out in 2026 Here's what you need to know about Form 1040: the mother of all tax forms. 2 By Tina Orem, Sabrina Parys Get started Get startedon Anthem Tax Services's website
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