Is your tax preparer licensed? Is their license current? Links provided here to look them up!
There are various types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and many others who don’t have a professional credential. You expect your preparer to be skilled in tax preparation and to accurately file your income tax return. You trust him or her with your most personal information. They know about your marriage, your income, your children and your social security numbers – the details of your financial life.
Most tax return preparers provide outstanding and professional tax service. However, each year, some taxpayers are hurt financially because they choose the wrong tax return preparer. Be sure to check IRS tips for choosing a tax preparer. https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional
In California
Individuals who prepare federal or state tax returns in California, or assist in the preparation, must comply with the California Business and Professions Code, Section 22250-22259 by completing the required education, maintaining a $5,000 tax preparer bond, and registering with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
An individual preparing taxes for a fee may also be a CPA (www.dca.ca.gov/cba), an Enrolled Agent (www.irs.gov), or an attorney (www.calbar.ca.gov). You may wish to check the websites indicated to be sure the individual in question is not a CPA, EA or attorney, and, therefore, exempt from registering with CTEC. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact CTEC.
Verify a California CPA license click here: https://search.dca.ca.gov/?BD=19&TP=DC
Verify the status of an Enrolled Agent click here: https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/active-enrolled-agents-and-the-freedom-of-information-act or here:
https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/verify-the-status-of-an-enrolled-agent
Verify an attorney registered with the California Bar click here: http://members.calbar.ca.gov/fal/LicenseeSearch/QuickSearch?ResultType=0&SearchType=0&SoundsLike=False
Verify a California Tax Education Council registration click here:
https://www.ctec.org/verify?nav=taxpayers