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What Is a CPA or Certified Public Accountant?

3 min read


3 min read


CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, a designation for individuals who are licensed by their state boards of accountancy and have passed the Uniform CPA Examination. While CPAs are often associated with tax preparation, they may also provide a range of services such as financial planning or auditing.

What Role Do CPAs Have in Taxes?

Certified Public Accountants have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, which means they can handle any type of tax matter or represent any type of taxpayer without restrictions. They can also represent tax clients before any IRS office in the event of an IRS letter or IRS examination.

It’s important to note that because licensing for CPAs is at the state level, they can only practice public accounting in the states in which they are licensed. Although H&R Block does not provide public accounting services, we do have tax preparers who are CPAs who can prepare your tax return to get your maximum refund, guaranteed.

What Are the Requirements to Become a CPA?

While the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant varies depending on the state or jurisdiction, individuals generally must complete studies in accounting at a college or university, meet experience requirements and pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination.

They are also subject to a code of ethics and must complete specific continuing education requirements. In order to prepare taxes for compensation, CPAs must also obtain an IRS-issued Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

Benefits of Working With CPAs at H&R Block

Entrusting your tax return to a CPA at H&R Block means you have an experienced professional in your court. Our CPAs provide the highest standards of tax expertise and deliver exceptional personal service when preparing your tax return. Whether you work with a CPA in one of our offices or if it’s one you connect with remotely through our virtual tax preparation services, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got a tax expert who knows the tricky language of taxes.

Our dedicated tax pros won’t stop until they have uncovered every credit and deduction available to you, so you get your maximum refund. Find a CPA at H&R Block. 

Virtual Tax Expertise at H&R Block

Want to have a remote tax expert check the return you complete online? Find out more about H&R Block’s Tax Pro Review, which lets you file your taxes online and have a CPA or other tax professional review your completed return.

Or, you can leave your entire tax preparation and filing to an expert without leaving the comfort of your home. Simply upload your documents and we’ll match you to the certified tax professional best suited to your needs. Learn more about H&R Block Virtual, which lets you sit back and relax while a CPA or other tax professional takes care of your return.

Get started with H&R Block Virtual

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