CPAs are licensed accountants with university degrees, often with experience in CPA firms. Dealing with the IRS comes naturally to some CPAs. Their basic responsibilities are preparing tax returns and doing audit or accounting work.

Full-time tax advisors and tax preparers are known as enrolled agents. They are authorized to practice before the IRS. They have 5 or more years of IRS work experience, or passed the IRS examination. They're not able to represent you in tax court. Good tax professionals must have experience in dealing with the IRS and IRS collections, as well as the resolution of tax debts. They don't only know about IRS laws, but also kept up-to-date with tax law changes.

How to Look for a Tax Professional

Referrals
Tax preparer recommendation
Included in legal plans
Audit assistance or preparer guarantee
Advertisements
Professional associations
Direct solicitation
The Right Things to Ask a Tax Professional

Which one are you, a CPA, an attorney, or an enrolled agent?
What are your licenses?
How long have you been in business?
How many current clients do you have?
Do you have IRS experience?
How much are you charging?
What does your fee include?
Do you have a written fee agreement?
Do you provide itemized statements monthly?
Do you specialize in tax issues?
Can you handle my situation?
Do you work by yourself or do you delegate?
What is your privacy policy?
Your tax professional should make you feel at ease and let you communicate easily. You must be able to trust them that they would do their best for you.

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