Everything You Should Know About Choosing a Tax Consultant A professional tax service consultant is a financial practitioner who specializes in taxes. These experts, also known as tax consultants, provide services to help people and corporations reduce tax bills and negotiate difficult tax circumstances such as launching a new firm or selling an existing one. If you want to employ a tax adviser, seek one that has the necessary credentials and expertise for your unique tax advising needs. Tax specialists specialize in a variety of sectors, including small company, estate, investment, retirement, and real estate taxes. There is no such thing as a tax advisor license. Tax Consultants may also work as a CPA, tax attorney, enrolled agent, or financial advisor. Here's a breakdown of what each of those terms means and what they're most likely to give. Accountant (Certified Public) A certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has been licensed by their state's board of accountancy. The CPA exam is a 16-hour examination that covers auditing and attestation, the business environment and principles, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. Not all CPAs deal with taxes, but those that do are likely to be highly skilled professionals. CPAs can assist you in ensuring that your company is in compliance with tax legislation and follows the most up-to-date accounting standards. Enrolled representative An enrolled agent is someone who has completed a three-part test or has previously worked with the IRS. This is the IRS's highest level of certification. Enrolled agents frequently assist with tax planning, tax counseling, tax return preparation, and may represent you in an audit or other tax scenario. A tax lawyer A tax attorney or tax lawyer specializes in tax law. Tax attorneys may assist people or corporations in dealing with federal, state, or municipal tax concerns. Financial consultant A financial adviser specializes in the planning and management of a wide variety of financial issues. Most financial advisers specialize in investing and financial planning, but many also provide tax advice and help. Small company financial advisers may also provide tax planning methods and advice tailored to the needs of their clients. If you operate a small business, you're generally best served by a tax specialist who specializes in small businesses. Keep in mind that this may not be the same person or business who handles your personal taxes, so keep that in mind while seeking for an advisor.