How the IRS Can Help You Find a Tax Preparer

The IRS provides a search engine so you can locate federal tax return preparers with “credentials and select qualifications”

Column distributed by Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

Links to resources referenced:

• Dirty Dozen: IRS urges taxpayers to not fall prey to untrustworthy tax preparers; "ghost preparers" can disappear with taxpayer cash, information
  • https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-irs-urges-taxpayers-to-not-fall-prey-to-untrustworthy-tax-preparers-ghost-preparers-can-disappear-with-taxpayer-cash-information 
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “In its ‘Dirty Dozen’ list of common scams, the IRS warns about ‘ghost preparers,’ who can disappear after the tax return is prepared, charge a large percentage fee of the refund or steal the entire tax refund, and get taxpayers to take advantage of tax credits and benefits for which they don’t qualify.” 
• IRS Form 14157-A
  • https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14157a.pdf
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “If you are scammed, file a police report and fill out IRS Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit, detailing your complaint. That’s the advice of The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent IRS organization that serves as the ‘voice’ of taxpayers.” 
• Taxpayer Advocate Service – Tax Return Preparer Fraud
  • https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/get-help/filing-returns/tax-return-preparer-fraud/ 
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “If you are scammed, file a police report and fill out IRS Form 14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit, detailing your complaint. That’s the advice of The Taxpayer Advocate Service, an independent IRS organization that serves as the ‘voice’ of taxpayers.” 
• IRS: “Need someone to Prepare your tax return?”
• https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional  
  1. Related column excerpt:
     • “Second, consider the guidance offered by the IRS on how to find someone to work with by reading ‘Need someone to prepare your tax return?’” 
• IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications
  • https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “From there, you can explore the IRS search engine at ‘Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.’ The National Association of Tax Professionals recommends the IRS database to ‘search for the perfect preparer.’” 
• National Association of Tax Professionals – Find a Tax Preparer
  • https://www.natptax.com/AboutNATP/Pages/Find-a-Tax-Preparer.aspx?srsltid=AfmBOopj87-wg_zQLODMYoUulguqElc3UXCyEmVv1Vpv6Tooxw3iDgJ6
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “From there, you can explore the IRS search engine at ‘Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications.’ The National Association of Tax Professionals recommends the IRS database to ‘search for the perfect preparer.’” 
• IRS “Understanding tax return preparer credentials and qualifications”
  • https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “You’ll be able to find tax preparers in your area who either currently hold professional credentials that are recognized by the IRS or who have an Annual Filing Season Program -- Record of Completion, which is issued by the IRS to those who ‘obtain a certain number of continuing education hours in preparation for a specific tax year,’ quoting the IRS webpage “Understanding tax return preparer credentials and qualifications.’”    
• IRS “Understanding tax return preparer credentials and qualifications”
  • https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications
  • Related column excerpt:
    • If a tax preparer has limited representation rights, the person cannot represent clients regarding appeals or collection issues. See ‘Understanding tax return preparer credentials and qualifications’ for more details. 
• IRS “Become an authorized e-file provider”
  • https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/become-an-authorized-e-file-provider
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “The preparer should offer IRS e-file, which can mean a quicker refund provided a taxpayer files electronically and chooses direct deposit. Be sure that the routing and bank account numbers on the tax return are accurate.” 
• IRS “Free tax preparation for qualifying taxpayers”
  • https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “Qualified individuals can take advantage of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly, two IRS programs that offer free tax preparation. See the IRS webpage ‘Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers.’” 
• IRS: “2025 tax filing season starts as IRS begins accepting tax returns today”
  • https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/2025-tax-filing-season-starts-as-irs-begins-accepting-tax-returns-today-taxpayers-have-many-options-for-help
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “Considering what is at stake -- the relationship between you and the IRS when it comes to taxes -- be sure to take the time to find a qualified tax preparer (if you need one). But don’t take too long -- the federal filing deadline for taxes this year is April 15, and the IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns to be filed before then, with more than half of all returns projected to be filed with the help of a tax professional.”  
• IRS: “Tips for choosing a tax professional”
  • https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tips-for-choosing-a-tax-professional 
  • Related column excerpt:
    • “Don’t forget: No matter who you decide to work with, ‘[t]axpayers are ultimately responsible for all the information on their federal tax return, regardless of who prepares the return,’ quoting the IRS.”