Always Accounted- You need a personal or business return prepared
- You want to plan for next year’s taxes
- You are behind on filing or estimated taxes
- You got an IRS letter or are being audited by the IRS
- You run an LLC or small business and want tax and books in one place
Plain-English guide
Do you need a CPA for your taxes? Usually not. Here’s who can help.
No tax return has to be prepared by a CPA. For returns, tax planning, IRS letters and IRS audits, an Enrolled Agent can do the work. Here is when that fits, and when you really do need one.
Tax work led by an Enrolled Agent. We are not a CPA firm.
The short answer
Your taxes and the IRS are the job.
Any tax professional with an IRS preparer tax identification number (PTIN) can prepare a federal return.
An Enrolled Agent goes further: the credential is about tax, and it carries unlimited rights to represent you before the IRS.
If what you need is your tax returns done and the IRS handled, an Enrolled Agent can usually do the job.
When you do need a CPA
Audited or reviewed financial statements.
These are reports that give a lender, investor or regulator assurance about your financial statements. Only a licensed CPA firm can issue them.
Audits
A lender, investor, buyer or the law requires audited financial statements.
Reviews
A bank or bonding company asks for reviewed financial statements.
Other assurance reports
A grant, government contract or regulator asks for an assurance report on your statements.
Always Accounted does not issue these reports. If you need one, we will tell you, and we can still handle your tax returns and bookkeeping.
Who can do what
Preparer, CPA or Enrolled Agent?
| Question | Preparer with a PTIN only | CPA | Enrolled Agent (EA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare your federal return | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Represent you before the IRS | Limited, or not at all | Yes, unlimited | Yes, unlimited |
| Focus | Varies | Accounting broadly; some specialize in tax | Tax |
| Audit or review financial statements | No | Yes, through a licensed CPA firm | No |
Sources: IRS, “Understanding tax return preparer credentials and qualifications” and “Enrolled agent information” (2026); Pennsylvania CPA Law. General information, not advice for your situation.
Is it worth paying a CPA to do your taxes?
It depends on what you need. If you need audited or reviewed statements, a CPA firm is the only option. If you need your return prepared and the IRS handled, you can choose an Enrolled Agent instead. We do not quote other firms’ prices. Ours: Personal Tax Care starts at $25 a month and Business Tax Care at $149 a month, with Access included and the final price confirmed in writing before you enroll.
Common questions
Quick answers by situation.
Do I need a CPA for my LLC?
Not for its tax returns. An Enrolled Agent can prepare an LLC’s federal and state returns and represent the LLC before the IRS. You would need a CPA firm only if someone requires audited or reviewed financial statements or another assurance report.
Do I need a CPA for my small business?
For tax returns, tax planning, IRS letters and bookkeeping, no. You need one only for an audit, review or other assurance report on your financial statements.
Do I need a CPA for my personal taxes?
No. Any tax professional with a PTIN can prepare your return, and an Enrolled Agent can also represent you before the IRS if a letter or audit follows.
Have a tax question?
Join Access for $9.99 a month and ask it, or request a scope for your return.