TaxProProofIRS PTIN registry lookup

State-Regulated Tax Preparer

What is a state-regulated?

State-regulated tax preparers are registered under a state program with education and testing requirements — for example California (CTEC), Oregon, and Maryland. They hold a PTIN and meet state standards.

When should you use one?

For individual and small-business return preparation in states with preparer regulation.

How to verify a preparer

  • Confirm the credential in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers
  • Ask for their PTIN and make sure they sign the return they prepare
  • For CPAs, attorneys, and state-regulated preparers, check the issuing state board or program

Find State-Regulated Tax Preparer tax preparers by City

2,613 cities