How to Find a Legal Tax Preparer in California

If you pay someone to prepare your tax return, make sure that tax preparer is legal. California law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee to be either an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), enrolled agent (EA), or registered tax preparer with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC).

Hiring a tax preparer that cannot be verified as one of those four professionals may prevent you from having legal recourse against fraud, as well as increase your chances for additional taxes, interest and fines.

Although professional tax preparers are required to sign your tax return to show proof of work, it is still you, the taxpayer, who is ultimately responsible for all information listed on the tax return—no matter if it is right, wrong or even fraudulent.

In addition to state rules, the Internal Revenue Service is now requiring all paid tax preparers to register for a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Tax preparers must include their PTIN on every federal tax return they prepare for clients.

To verify the legal status of…

• Attorneys, California State Bar Visit www.calbar.ca.gov

• Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), California Board of Accountancy Visit www.dca.ca.gov/cba

• CTEC Registered Tax Preparers (CRTPs), California Tax Education  Council Visit www.ctec.org

• Enrolled Agents (EAs), Internal Revenue Service Visitwww.irs.gov

Tax preparers who cannot be verified as one of those four professionals are breaking state law. You can report illegal tax preparers at www.ctec.org.

To see an infographic on How to Find a Legal Tax Preparer in California, visit:

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/365002744771166392/