Category: Guides
Warning signs worth walking away over
Ghost preparers A “ghost preparer” is paid to prepare a return and then refuses to sign it, leaving it to look self-prepared. The IRS warns about this specifically,…
How to File a Complaint Against a Tax Professional in California
Most interactions with tax professionals go smoothly. But when something goes wrong — whether through negligence, misrepresentation, or misconduct — it is important to know that formal complaint…
Questions worth asking before you hire
Credentials and standing What is your PTIN, and will you sign my return? The only acceptable answer is yes, with a number. Which credential do you hold —…
California’s CTEC Requirement: What Registered Tax Preparers Must Meet
California is one of only a handful of states that requires non-credentialed tax preparers to register with a state agency before preparing tax returns for compensation. That agency…
How to Verify a CPA’s Licence in California: Step-by-Step
Before you hire a CPA in California, you should verify that their licence is current and in good standing. The California Board of Accountancy provides a free online…
Which credential does what
The four, side by side Credential Regulated by Can prepare returns Can represent you before the IRS CRTPCTEC-registered tax preparer CTEC (California) Yes No, unless they hold an…
Using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to Find Help in California
Understanding the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers One of the most reliable tools for finding a qualified tax professional in California is the IRS Directory of…
What Is a PTIN and Why Your Tax Professional Must Have One
When you pay someone to prepare your federal tax return, you are trusting them with some of the most sensitive financial information you have. Before you hand over…
How to Find a Tax Professional Who Specializes in California State Taxes
Why California State Tax Complexity Requires a Specialist California has one of the most complex state tax systems in the country. The state’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) administers…
How to check your preparer is allowed to charge you
Why this check matters California is one of only a handful of states that regulates paid tax preparers. If someone charges you to prepare a return here, they…
The IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service: What It Is and When to Ask Your Tax Pro About It
Most taxpayers in California deal with the IRS without ever needing special assistance. But when a tax issue becomes prolonged, creates financial hardship, or seems to stall without…
How to Switch Tax Professionals in California Without Disrupting Your Filing
There are many valid reasons to change your tax professional — a move to a different city, a change in your financial complexity, concerns about quality, or simply…