Choosing a tax professional
Use Portland 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.
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: Oregon
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
Oregon Board of Accountancy: licensee lookup
Use the board’s in-state or out-of-state lookup as appropriate. Its consumer guidance recommends checking current license status and asking about disciplinary actions.
For a claimed attorney qualification
Oregon State Bar: licensee directory
Search by name or bar number. The bar notes that this directory is not a complete listing and links to separate records for some license types; contact it if you cannot locate the person.
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.