How TaxProProof Works
Our principle
We publish only what the IRS itself makes public about paid tax preparers, honestly labeled. We do not rate, rank, score, or endorse preparers — those would be inventions we can't back up. Every profile links straight to the IRS and to state licensing authorities so you can verify at the source.
Data sources
IRS Consolidated PTIN List (FOIA extract)
Every paid federal-return preparer must hold a PTIN. The IRS releases the full national list under the Freedom of Information Act each year, including each preparer's name, city, DBA, and any recognized credential (attorney, CPA, EA, ERPA, CAA, state-regulated, AFSP). This is our single national source; it covers all 50 states plus territories.
Source: IRS FOIA — PTIN Information
State registries (linking, not republishing)
Some states regulate preparers directly (CTEC in California, Oregon Board of Tax Practitioners, Maryland, NY DTF). Because those programs require a PTIN, state-regulated preparers already appear in the national file — we don't republish state disciplinary records, we link to the authoritative state board on every profile.
What we publish
- PTIN listing: The preparer appears in the IRS Consolidated PTIN List
- Credential class: Attorney, CPA, EA, ERPA, CAA, state-regulated, AFSP, or PTIN-only — as reported by the IRS
- Firm affiliation: The DBA listed with the IRS, if any
- Location: Business city, state, and (where present) ZIP and street
- Contact: Business phone and website when the IRS record includes them
- Direct verification links: To the IRS directory and the relevant state board
What we don't claim
- We don't verify license status on our side — the IRS/state board is the source of truth
- We don't check for complaints or disciplinary actions
- We don't score, rank, or rate individual preparers
- We don't accept payment for placement or verification badges
- We don't provide tax, legal, or financial advice
Read the full methodology for exactly which fields come from where. If your listing is incorrect or you want it removed, our contact page has a 72-hour SLA for takedown requests.