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 tool to do exactly this. Here is how to use it.
Why Verification Matters
The title “CPA” is legally protected in California. Under Business and Professions Code section 5055, only a person who has received a CPA certificate from the California Board of Accountancy (CBA), a person authorized to practice public accountancy in this state under Article 5.1 (Business and Professions Code section 5096), or a firm registered under the Accountancy Act, may, subject to Business and Professions Code section 5051, use it. The CBA’s FAQ states that anyone who uses the CPA or public accountant (PA) designation to solicit or advertise for clients, or to sign a tax return, must have a current, active licence. A licensee in inactive or retired status who lawfully uses the CPA designation must place the word “inactive” or “retired” immediately after it (Business and Professions Code sections 5058.2 and 5058.3). The active-licence requirement still applies to soliciting, advertising and signing returns, even for a licensee in inactive or retired status. The CBA FAQ also states that a licensee in retired status may not practice public accountancy (see Business and Professions Code section 5070.1(b)). Verifying a licence before hiring protects you from engaging someone using a lapsed, suspended, or fabricated credential.
The CBA is a division of the California Department of Consumer Affairs and is the sole licensing authority for CPAs in California.
Step-by-Step: How to Look Up a CPA Licence
Step 1: Go to the CBA’s licence lookup page. The California Board of Accountancy maintains a public licence lookup tool on their official website at dca.ca.gov/cba. Look for the licence verification or public licence search section.
Step 2: Enter the CPA’s name or licence number. You can search by the individual’s first and last name or by their CPA licence number if you have it. If you are checking a CPA firm rather than an individual, firm registrations are also searchable.
Step 3: Review the licence status. The results will show the licence status (for example: clear/active, cancelled, suspended), the licence expiration date, and in some cases any public disciplinary actions on record.
Step 4: Confirm the status is current. A licence listed as “clear” and showing a future expiration date indicates an active, valid licence. Any other status warrants further inquiry before engaging the practitioner.
What to Do if You Find a Problem
If a licence is lapsed, suspended, or shows disciplinary action, do not rely solely on the tool — contact the CBA directly for clarification. The CBA website provides contact information for consumer inquiries.
If you believe someone is representing themselves as a CPA without a valid licence, the CBA has a complaint process.
Additional Checks for Enrolled Agents
Enrolled Agents are federally licensed by the IRS, not by a state board. The IRS provides a directory of federal tax return preparers who currently hold professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an annual filing season program record of completion. Look for the Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications, which the IRS links to at irs.treasury.gov.
For any specific tax question or concern about your own situation, consult a qualified and verified tax professional directly.
Official sources referenced: IRS.gov, California Board of Accountancy (dca.ca.gov/cba), California Franchise Tax Board (ftb.ca.gov). Not reviewed by a credentialed tax professional.