How to Choose a Tax Professional in Florida: CPA vs. EA vs. Tax Attorney

Updated November 2, 2026 · By the TaxPro Florida team

The right tax professional depends on what you need. For most individual returns and IRS representation, a CPA (certified public accountant) or an EA (enrolled agent) is a strong choice. For business accounting, audits of financial statements and complex planning, a CPA is often best. For legal disputes, criminal tax exposure or complex estate issues, consider a tax attorney. Always verify credentials, and avoid anyone who bases fees on the size of your refund.

Types of tax preparers compared

Every paid federal tax preparer must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS and must sign the return they prepare.

When to choose each

Choose an enrolled agent if…

• You need a tax return prepared, especially with self-employment, rental or multistate issues
• You're dealing with an IRS audit, notice, payment plan or back taxes
• You want someone whose practice is focused entirely on taxation

Choose a CPA if…

• You own a business and need bookkeeping oversight, financial statements or year-round planning
• You need audited or reviewed financial statements, for example for a lender (only CPA firms can provide these)
• You want tax help combined with broader accounting and business advice

Choose a tax attorney if…

• You've received notice of a criminal investigation or have potential exposure for fraud
• You're going to U.S. Tax Court or have a serious dispute requiring legal strategy
• You need complex estate, trust or business transaction planning where legal documents are central

Communications with an attorney may be protected by attorney-client privilege. Federal law extends a more limited confidentiality privilege to communications with other federally authorized tax practitioners in some noncriminal matters. If you have any criminal exposure, talk to an attorney first.

The Florida Bar certifies attorneys in tax law through a board certification program, which requires experience, peer review and an exam.

How to verify credentials

• CPAs: Look up a Florida CPA's license status through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation's online license search. CPAs licensed in other states can be checked through their state board or CPAverify.org.
• Enrolled agents and others: The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications lists EAs, CPAs, attorneys and Annual Filing Season Program participants who have PTINs.
• Attorneys: Search The Florida Bar's member directory for status and any board certification.
• Complaints and discipline: Check the relevant licensing board for public disciplinary history.

Questions to ask before hiring

1. What credentials do you hold, and can I verify them?
2. Do you have experience with situations like mine (Florida residency moves, rentals, small business, crypto, multistate income)?
3. How do you charge (flat fee, hourly or by form), and what's included?
4. Will you represent me if the IRS has questions about the return you prepare?
5. Who will actually prepare my return, and who reviews it?
6. How do you protect my data? Will I get a secure portal for documents?
7. Are you available after tax season?
8. Will you e-file my return, and will I get a copy of everything filed?

Red flags to avoid

The IRS warns taxpayers to watch for these warning signs:

• Fees based on a percentage of your refund
• Promises of a bigger refund than other preparers before seeing your documents
• Refusing to sign the return or include their PTIN ("ghost preparers")
• Asking you to sign a blank or incomplete return
• Directing your refund into their bank account instead of yours
• Filing using a pay stub instead of your Form W-2
• Pushing aggressive schemes, credits you don't qualify for, or "tax-free" arrangements that sound too good to be true

Remember: you're legally responsible for what's on your return, even if someone else prepared it.

Free and low-cost tax help

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Free return preparation by IRS-certified volunteers for people who generally earn below a set income level, people with disabilities and limited-English speakers.
• TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Free tax help focused on people 60 and older, especially pensions and retirement issues.
• IRS Free File: Free guided software for eligible taxpayers through IRS.gov.
• MilTax: Free tax services for eligible members of the military community through the Department of Defense.
• Low Income Taxpayer Clinics: Help with IRS disputes for eligible taxpayers, independent from the IRS.
• Taxpayer Advocate Service: An independent organization within the IRS that helps with problems you haven't been able to resolve through normal channels.

Giving a professional authority to act for you

To let a CPA, EA or attorney talk to the IRS and represent you, you'll typically sign IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative). Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) lets someone receive your information without representing you. Read these carefully and limit them to the tax years and matters needed.