Choosing a tax professional
Use Columbus Tax to make a shortlist, then check the details with each business. A directory category, review score or paid placement does not establish professional qualifications.
Start with the work you need
Looking for free help with a basic return? Find local free tax-help programs, eligibility information and official locators.
Describe your situation and ask whether the business handles that kind of work. Confirm who will do it, which documents they need, the expected timing, and whether appointments are in person or remote.
Use these questions when comparing a shortlist. Write down the answers so you can compare the same scope of work.
- Who will do my work?
- Ask for the person’s name, claimed credentials and experience with situations like yours. A firm’s name does not identify the person responsible for your return.
- What does the fee cover?
- Ask for a written scope and fee estimate, including state returns, amendments and responding to later notices. Ask what could change the price.
- Can you meet my timing?
- Confirm availability, the document deadline and when you can expect a draft to review. Ask who will contact you if information is missing.
- Who helps after filing?
- Ask whether the professional is available outside filing season, what follow-up costs, and whether they can represent you if an issue arises.
- How should I share documents?
- Ask about a secure upload or in-person handoff, who can access your files, and how long they keep them. Do not send sensitive documents through this directory’s general contact form.
- What will I receive?
- Confirm how you will review the work, receive copies and contact the responsible professional. Compare the answers rather than assuming every business in a category provides the same services.
CPA, enrolled agent, attorney or another provider?
Choose the work first, then check the named person’s qualification and experience. The IRS credential guidance distinguishes preparation from representation rights.
| Provider | Work to discuss | Check and ask |
|---|---|---|
| CPA | Accounting, reporting or tax work | State accountancy lookup; ask about the relevant tax experience. |
| Enrolled agent (EA) | Federal tax preparation and representation | IRS preparer directory; ask about your matter and years. |
| Attorney | Legal advice or representation for a specific matter | State attorney lookup; confirm the practice area and jurisdiction. |
| Other paid preparer | Return preparation within the agreed scope | Ask about an active PTIN, training and any representation limits. |
| Bookkeeper | Reconciliations, records and accounting handoff | Ask about systems and scope; the title alone establishes no CPA or EA credential. |
The IRS gives CPAs, EAs and attorneys unlimited representation rights before it. Other preparers’ rights can be limited or absent; a PTIN alone does not provide representation rights. Ask separately about the exact engagement and any state or local matter.
Compare fees for the same scope
A preparation quote, monthly bookkeeping fee and legal retainer describe different work. Ask for a written list of included returns, jurisdictions, meetings and follow-up. Separate one-time preparation, setup or cleanup from recurring work and agree the billing period. Ask how missing records, amendments, additional notices and later representation are charged.
There is no directory-wide fee or local average implied by these listings. Use the worksheet below to record the actual quotes, exclusions and responsibilities rather than comparing headline prices alone.
Questions for Columbus-area work
Which federal, Ohio and municipal returns are included? Explain both home and work jurisdictions; ask who checks withholding and any residence credit.
Columbus municipal filing questions
Preparation in Central Ohio and nearby communities · Preparation listings in Columbus city · Regional accountant listings
Printable quote-comparison worksheet
Print this page using your browser’s Print command and write in the three providers’ answers. Blank spaces are for your own quotes, not directory fee estimates. This worksheet makes no recommendation or price calculation and does not collect or save information.
| Question | Provider A | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Provider / responsible person; credential to check | |||
| Task and scope | |||
| Returns, years and jurisdictions included | |||
| One-time fee quoted | |||
| Recurring fee and billing period | |||
| Cleanup / setup fee | |||
| Excluded work and possible extra charges | |||
| Document deadline and delivery date | |||
| Secure document handoff | |||
| Post-filing support and representation scope | |||
| Unresolved questions |
Compare scope and responsibility before choosing. Keep tax documents and identifying details separate from this sheet.
Source: https://www.columbus.tax/choosing-a-tax-professional#quote-worksheet
Hiring-resource source check: 2026-10-23. Quotes are supplied by the providers you contact.
Before you contact a practice
Make a short list of tasks, years and deadlines without attaching sensitive documents. Confirm availability and the named responsible person, then agree a secure document handoff directly with the practice. Read the listing methodology before treating a category, rating or paid position as a qualification.
Check the person, not just the business name
The IRS explains that preparers have different credentials and representation rights. Check any claimed qualification for the person who will work with you. For a CPA or attorney, use the relevant state licensing authority.
- IRS: choosing a tax professional
- IRS: preparer credentials and qualifications
- IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications
The IRS directory lists specified credentials and qualifications, not every paid preparer. Some eligible preparers also opt out. A missing result alone does not mean someone cannot prepare a return, and inclusion does not establish their experience with your situation. Read the IRS directory’s coverage and limitations.
Official credential resources: Ohio
These are starting points for this directory’s area. Ask which state or district issued the person’s license and for their license or registration number. If they are licensed elsewhere, check that jurisdiction’s board or court as well; a business address does not establish where someone is licensed.
For a claimed CPA qualification
Accountancy Board of Ohio: license lookup
Use Ohio’s official eLicense lookup, choose Individual Search and Accountancy Board, and search by name or license number. Review the license type, status and any practice restrictions; ask the board if the record is unclear.
For a claimed attorney qualification
Supreme Court of Ohio: attorney directory
Search by name or registration number and read the registration status. The court cautions that inclusion alone does not establish good standing or permission to practice; contact Attorney Services if the record is unclear.
What a lookup can and cannot tell you
Match the full name and license number, then read the current status and any public restrictions or disciplinary information the authority provides. A name match alone is not enough. Registration, active status and good standing are different concepts; use the authority’s definitions or ask it for clarification.
A license record does not establish tax specialization, fees, availability or the quality of future work. CPA and attorney checks apply to those claimed credentials; they are not a requirement that every listed bookkeeper or preparer hold one. We link to these resources for your own checks and have not verified the credentials of each listed business.
Understand what our profiles tell you
Listings combine public business information, available website material and submitted corrections. Some descriptions use AI assistance. Contact details, services and Google ratings may have changed. We do not certify licenses, independently verify every claim, or recommend a business because it pays for placement.
Featured · Paid means advertising. Featured ordering rotates, and filters can affect visibility. Review scores are separate from paid placement.
Compare businesses · Request a listing correction · About the directory
Directory guidance from Intensic s.r.o. Sources checked . This is a guide to selecting a service provider; ask a qualified professional about your own tax situation.