--- title: Choose the Right Tax Expert for Your Situation description: If you're in need of tax assistance, you may find that there are several different kinds of tax professionals for hire. image: https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/file-252821800-jpg/images/womanholdingbusinesscard.jpg --- [(866)866-1555](tel:866-866-1555) | [Contact](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/contact-us) [![Top Tax Defenders](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nov_15/ttd_logo_test_new.png?width=314&height=64&name=ttd_logo_test_new.png "Top Tax Defenders")](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com) # Tax Matters - The Top Tax Defenders Blog # Choose the Right Tax Expert for Your Situation By Top Tax Staff | Oct 23, 2012 6:00:00 AM | [Tax Tips and Help](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-tips-and-help) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Choose%20the%20Right%20Tax%20Expert%20for%20Your%20Situation) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.toptaxdefenders.com%2Fblog%2Fbid%2F160923%2Fchoose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ![Accountant_Tax_Attorney](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/hs-fs/hub/139062/file-30609966.jpg?width=800&name=file-30609966.jpg) If you're in need of tax assistance, you may find that there are several different kinds of [tax professionals for hire](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/). The type of tax expert you need, though, depends greatly on the specific tax situation you're dealing with and how much assistance you require. There are some tax professionals who are ideal in small, uncomplicated situations and there are tax experts who are highly qualified and trained to deal with complex financial concerns. Knowing when to use specific tax experts will help you to choose the best professional for your situation. ### [![ARE YOU CLAIMING ALL THE TAX CREDITS YOU COULD BE? DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COMPLETE GUIDE TO IRS TAX CREDITS »](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/1127c4ea-4332-4cca-a2bb-33b200f10799.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/1127c4ea-4332-4cca-a2bb-33b200f10799) **Types of Tax Professionals** There are four basic kinds of tax professionals. These include tax preparers, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), and tax attorneys. Each type of tax professional is trained to deal with specific kinds of issues. *A tax preparer* is typically a seasonal worker who does the bulk of his or her work during the annual tax season. These individuals are up-to-date on current IRS tax guidelines and regulations for preparing individual and small business tax returns. *A CPA* is a college graduate who has received a degree in accounting and passed a state licensing exam to receive their accreditation. CPAs must submit to stringent requirements to get and keep their license. *An Enrolled Agent* is a tax professional who has passed a multi-day, detailed exam that is administered directly by the Internal Revenue Service. These professionals are extremely educated in the U.S. tax code and can even represent taxpayers during an audit. *A tax attorney* is both an accountant and a lawyer. Because of their extensive legal and financial background, tax lawyers are qualified to both represent taxpayers during an audit and to argue their case in court. ### [![DO YOU NEED IRS TAX HELP? SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR TAX EXPERTS »](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/758dc20d-7fa2-4e2a-a2ae-b124ff4cd561.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/758dc20d-7fa2-4e2a-a2ae-b124ff4cd561) **How to Know When to Hire Each One** So, how can you tell what kind of tax expert you need to hire? It depends greatly on your specific tax issue. If you have questions about filing your upcoming tax return, then a tax preparer may be the ideal professional to help you. However, if your situation involves other accounting issues that arise during the year, then you might benefit from the extensive knowledge of a CPA. If you're currently facing an IRS audit, an Enrolled Agent can help you by representing you during the hearing. On the other hand, if you are [facing charges of tax fraud or evasion](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/tax-solutions/criminal-tax-defense/) in a court, then you'll need the highly specialized services of a tax attorney. Now that you know more about how each kind of tax professional can be of help to you, you'll be able to decide which expert to hire and when.   [![eBook---audit-graphic-download](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/139062/49ee9f6d-3e31-45bb-8e3c-2949d930c1b1.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/139062/49ee9f6d-3e31-45bb-8e3c-2949d930c1b1) COMMENTS ### SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL ### POSTS BY TOPIC - [Tax Tips and Help (287)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-tips-and-help) - [IRS Collections (121)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-collections) - [IRS Audit (72)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-audit) - [Tax Credits and Deductions (69)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-credits-and-deductions) - [Tax Resolution (62)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-resolution) - [Business Taxes (53)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/business-taxes) - [Back Taxes (51)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/back-taxes) - [Wage Garnishment (22)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/wage-garnishment) - [Tax Levies (19)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-levies) - [IRS Payment Plans (15)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-payment-plans) - [Tax Liens (14)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-liens) - [Offer in Compromise (9)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/offer-in-compromise) - [Unfiled Tax Returns (9)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/unfiled-tax-returns) - [IRS Tax Attorneys (7)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/irs-tax-attorneys) - [Asset Seizure (6)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/asset-seizure) - [Tax Evasion (6)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/tax-evasion) - [Criminal Tax Defense (4)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/criminal-tax-defense) - [Innocent Spouse Relief (4)](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/topic/innocent-spouse-relief) [see all](https://www.toptaxdefenders.com/blog/bid/160923/choose-the-right-tax-expert-for-your-situation#) ### RECENT ARTICLES ### POPULAR ARTICLES Aenean sollicitudin, lorem quis bibendum auctor, nisi elit consequat ipsum. 11222 Richmond Avenue Suite 235, Houston, TX 77082 Copyright 2026 Top Tax Defenders. 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