How to Find the Name of Your Tax Preparer

Filing taxes can be complicated, and many people rely on a professional tax preparer to handle the process. If you need to retrieve their name for future filings, corrections, or inquiries, there are several ways to track down this information.

Reviewing Past Filing Documents

Your tax return is the best place to start. The “Paid Preparer” section of Form 1040 or other tax forms typically includes the preparer’s name, Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), and sometimes their business contact information. The IRS requires paid preparers to sign returns they complete, making this section a reliable source.

If the preparer’s name isn’t listed or the return was filed electronically, check Form 8879, which authorizes e-filing. This document often includes the preparer’s details. If you used tax software with professional assistance, review the software-generated summary or confirmation email, as these may reference the preparer or firm.

For those who used a tax preparation service like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt, past filing documents may indicate the office location or preparer ID. Even if the individual preparer’s name isn’t listed, contacting the office where the return was filed can help identify them.

Checking Financial or Payment Records

Payments made for tax preparation services can provide useful details. Reviewing bank statements, credit card transactions, or digital payment platforms may reveal the preparer’s name or business. If you paid by check, a copy of the canceled check from your bank might include the recipient’s name or company.

Invoices or receipts from the tax preparer can also help. Many professionals issue invoices with their name, business address, and contact information. If you received an emailed receipt, searching your inbox for terms like “tax preparation,” “invoice,” or the tax year may help locate it. Some national tax firms provide access to past invoices through online client portals.

If you deducted tax preparation fees in previous years, reviewing past Schedule A (if you itemized deductions before the 2018 tax law changes) or business expense records may help. Accounting software like QuickBooks or expense tracking apps may still have an entry for the payment, potentially listing the preparer’s name or firm.

Cross-Referencing Professional Directories

Many tax preparers are registered with official organizations that maintain public directories. The IRS has a searchable database of tax professionals with valid PTINs, which can be searched by name, credentials, or location. If you remember details about your preparer—such as their location or whether they were a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Enrolled Agent (EA), or tax attorney—this can help narrow your search.

State CPA societies and boards of accountancy maintain directories of licensed professionals. If your preparer was a CPA, checking with the relevant state board can confirm their licensing status and provide updated contact details. The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) also lists credentialed EAs, who are federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

Larger tax preparation franchises, such as H&R Block or Liberty Tax, often have staff directories on their websites, listing preparers by office location. Independent practitioners may have profiles on LinkedIn or professional association websites that include their credentials and contact details.

Contacting Relevant Authorities

If other methods don’t work, reaching out to official agencies may help. The IRS keeps records of tax returns filed by third-party preparers. While they cannot disclose personal information without authorization, they can confirm whether a return was professionally prepared and provide guidance on retrieving relevant details.

Submitting Form 4506, “Request for Copy of Tax Return,” allows taxpayers to obtain a full copy of a previously filed return, which may contain the preparer’s information if they included it when submitting the document.

State tax agencies also retain records that may help identify a preparer, particularly if state taxes were filed alongside federal returns. Many states offer taxpayer assistance hotlines that can verify whether a preparer was involved in a prior filing. In states like California, where tax preparers must register with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC), state databases may provide additional information not available through federal sources.