Hiring a Tax Professional

You've decided that you need a tax pro to prepare your income taxes. But who's the right tax accountant for you? Seek a tax accountant who specializes in the issues that are relevant to your situation. Also, ask tax professionals about any designations or licenses they have earned. The two most popular designations are Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Enrolled Agent (EA). CPAs are licensed by the state the CPA lives in. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the IRS. If you have a particularly complex tax issue (involving charges of tax evasion or IRS misconduct), you may need the legal advice and services of an experienced tax attorney.