Let’s Talk Explore what you can do yourself, understand the different professional roles, and choose how to find support.
Reading a notice, gathering records, and reviewing an agency’s published options are useful first steps. You may be able to handle a straightforward issue directly. Not every tax question requires legal representation.
Consider professional help when you cannot reconcile the records, need someone to represent you, face a disputed assessment, or have an urgent collection or court matter. Identify the agency, the work, and the deadline before comparing services.
Find Your Notice and Its Next StepsA credential describes qualifications and authority. It does not guarantee experience with your issue or a particular result.
An IRS-licensed tax practitioner who can represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals. Ask about experience with your issue and authority for any state work.
Ask About an Enrolled Agent IRS Credential GuidanceA state-licensed accounting professional. Some CPAs focus on tax preparation, planning, or disputes and can represent taxpayers before the IRS. Confirm the individual’s tax experience and current license.
Ask About a Certified Public Accountant California CPA LookupA licensed lawyer with relevant tax experience. Consider legal help for litigation, legal disputes, or potential criminal exposure. A lawyer’s authority to appear in a particular court must be checked separately.
Ask About a Tax Attorney California Lawyer Referral ServicesHelps prepare specified tax returns. Credentials and representation rights vary. A preparer tax identification number, or PTIN, alone does not provide broad authority to represent you before the IRS.
Ask About a Tax Preparer IRS Preparer DirectoryHelps organize transactions, reconcile accounts, and prepare records for reporting and tax preparation. Bookkeeping alone does not establish tax representation or legal authority. Agree on accounts, periods, reports, and responsibilities.
Ask About a Bookkeeper IRS Recordkeeping GuidanceDescribe what you need help understanding, the agency involved, and whether you have a deadline. You can ask about options without choosing a professional or sending sensitive records.
Ask About My Options Understand Your Tax IssueResearch the person who would do the work. Then compare the written scope, total fee, communication, and engagement terms.
Search certain professionals with credentials or select qualifications. This is not a complete list of all valid preparers.
Open the Official DirectoryResearch a CPA or accounting firm through the California Board of Accountancy. For other states, use the relevant board.
Open the Official DirectoryReview an attorney’s State Bar profile. Confirm experience with the type of tax matter you need addressed.
Open the Official DirectoryFind State Bar-certified referral services by location and legal issue. Ask the service about consultation terms.
Open the Official DirectoryThe IRS directory does not include every valid preparer. Read Its Coverage and Limits
Eligibility, local availability, and services differ. Contact the program to confirm whether it can help.
Independent clinics may offer free or low-cost assistance with IRS disputes, including qualifying representation. Review eligibility and the clinic’s scope directly.
Find a Taxpayer ClinicIRS-supported programs provide free basic tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers. Confirm that the local site handles the returns you need.
Find Free Preparation HelpU.S. Tax Court has its own admission requirements for attorneys and qualifying nonattorneys. An EA or CPA credential does not by itself authorize someone to represent you there. Check the practitioner’s admission and experience when court proceedings are involved.
Read the Tax Court’s Practitioner GuidanceOfficial sources checked October 10, 2026. An inquiry or introduction request does not preserve a tax or court deadline. Contact the responsible agency or a qualified professional promptly when time is limited.
Compare the Questions to Ask Before Hiring