Consumer Alert: It’s Accrual World. When Searching for a Tax Preparer, Verify First, Hire Second

HARTFORD - The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) are warning the public about fraudulent tax professional scams that attempt to steal financial information.

DCP oversees the State Board of Accountancy which offers licensure and training to Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Last year, the agency received 58 tax-related complaints including complaints about individuals who practiced without a Firm Permit, improper tax filings, and professional misconduct.

"Tax season can be overwhelming as consumers gather the necessary materials to file correctly and on time," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "One way to help alleviate that stress is knowing your finances are in the right hands. We encourage all taxpayers to use the free resources available to search for a legitimate tax professional, understand the signs of a scam, and secure ways to get help."

"One of the most important decisions you can make during tax season is choosing a tax professional to file your return," said DRS Commissioner Mark Boughton. "Watch out for warning signs, including tax preparers who refuse to sign your return, won't provide a Preparer Tax Identification Number, and require you to pay in cash for their services. Make sure to hire someone you can trust with your personal tax information."

Who can file my taxes?

To practice in Connecticut, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) must hold an active license with the Department of Consumer Protection. Accounting firms, including home offices, must hold DCP's Certified Public Accountancy Firm Permit. These credentials allow them to file taxes and represent on the taxpayers' behalf.

Enrolled agents and individuals with a Paid Tax Preparer Permit can prepare and file taxes. If an issue occurs, enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS. However, those with a Paid Tax Preparer Permit holders cannot serve as representative.

Who cannot file my taxes?

An individual with a CPA Certification Registration cannot sign tax documents or file a tax return. These individuals are often training to become an accountant.

Before you hire a tax professional, follow our pre-hiring checklist:

1. Ask for recommendations: Ask a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor for a referral. It is best to use a tax preparer who is local and available all year round, if questions arise.
2. Confirm the accountant's credentials: Consumers are encouraged to use eLicense, a statewide public portal, to verify credentials for a CPA and CPA Firm.
   1. To search for CPAs in Connecticut, consumers can use CTCPA or the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website with the credential "CPAL."
3. Read through the reviews: Consumers should search the name of the accountant followed by "complaint" or "review."
   1. The public can view disciplinary actions made against tax professionals on the IRS website.
4. Look for the Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN): All tax professionals must have a PTIN and included with their signature. The IRS provides a list of tax preparers with federal PTIN.
   1. Taxpayers are required to sign the tax return and the IRS e-file Signature Authorization Form 8879. This form gives the tax preparer permission to electronically file on your behalf. It is required to sign this annually.

Signs of a fraudulent tax professional:

• Asks you to sign a blank tax return with promises to take care of the rest. After your tax return is completed, have your accountant explain the documents before you sign.
• Promotes "fast" or "massive" refunds. Be wary of deals that sound too good to be true.
• Lack of communication throughout the process.
• Refuses to sign and state a PTIN, Enrolled Agent number, or CPA license number on the tax return. Professionals must sign with their credential number.
• If the numbers differ from your federal documents or previous returns from similar years. If something looks off, ask questions.
• The tax preparer does not provide a copy of the tax return or related documents to the taxpayer.

Before you file, be sure to check that your tax preparer completed the "Paid Tax Preparer Only" section on your tax return or Form 1040. Their signature attests that they helped prepare your taxes.

Employers must distribute W-2 forms by February 2, and the deadline to file taxes is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Employees should begin preparing and researching local tax professionals now. Taxpayers should hire a professional early to ensure their tax return is submitted by the deadline.

Consumers who would like to file a complaint related to a Certified Public Accountant or CPA Firm can email DCP at [email protected] or visit ct.gov/DCP/complaint to file a complaint online.

For complaints related to general tax preparers, can contact the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.