Tax preparers in California
To find and verify a tax preparer in California, confirm they hold a current IRS PTIN and check their credential: a CPA through the California Board of Accountancy, an enrolled agent or attorney through the IRS, or any preparer in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. California taxes residents' income on a progressive scale, administered by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).
Find & verify a preparer in California
How do I find a tax preparer in California?
Search the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers by California location for preparers who hold a valid PTIN and a recognized credential. Cross-check a CPA in CPAverify, and use the TaxPros Rated directory to see the recognized professional bodies and how to confirm standing.
- IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return PreparersSearch the IRS list of preparers who hold a valid PTIN and a recognized credential (CPA, enrolled agent, or attorney), by name and location.Open tool
- CPAverify (NASBA)Verify a CPA license across participating U.S. state boards from the official NASBA Accountancy Licensee Database.Open tool
- IRS: Understanding preparer credentialsIRS guidance on what each credential means and what a preparer is allowed to do for you.Open tool
How do I verify a California CPA or tax preparer?
Confirm the preparer's PTIN and credential at the source: a CPA through the California Board of Accountancy or CPAverify, an enrolled agent or attorney through the IRS, and any paid preparer in the IRS preparer directory. A preparer who will not sign your return is a warning sign.
| Credential | Where to verify |
|---|---|
| CPA | California Board of Accountancy or CPAverify |
| Enrolled agent (EA) | IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers |
| Attorney | State Bar of California (and the IRS directory) |
| Any paid preparer (PTIN) | IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers |
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California taxes residents' income on a progressive scale, administered by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). A preparer or CPA who knows California rules can file both your federal and state returns; confirm the agency's current requirements on its official site before you rely on a figure.
California also requires paid preparers who are not CPAs, attorneys, or enrolled agents to register with CTEC, so a CTEC check is part of verifying a California preparer.
California-specific tool: California Tax Education Council (CTEC) - find or verify a registered preparer.
California CPA society: California Society of CPAs (CalCPA).
California bar association (verify an attorney): State Bar of California.
A tax pro in California? Get listed.
Flat-fee listings, verified credentials, no cold-call leads. Claimed listings appear here once credentials verify.
Informational directory only — TaxPros Rated summarizes neutral, source-cited information and does not provide individualized tax guidance or endorse individual preparers. Verify any preparer’s current credential standing through the official sources above before you engage them. Sources last verified 2026-06-28.
Tax preparers in other states
Important disclaimer
Informational only — not tax advice. This page summarises publicly available information about tax as of July 2026. Tax laws change, individual circumstances vary, and the application of any rule depends on your specific facts.
TaxProsRated does not provide tax, legal, accounting, or financial advice. Before acting on anything you read here, consult a qualified tax professional licensed in your jurisdiction . TaxProsRated, its operators, and its contributors disclaim all liability for action taken in reliance on this page.