Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are vital players in the Texas economy—and as such, they are required to be licensed in order to practice their profession. The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy is charged with the oversight of the profession—ensuring CPAs comply with the Board’s Rules of Professional Conduct as well as the Texas Public Accountancy Act.
Yet there are a number of “number-crunching” professions in Texas for whom a CPA license is not a requirement to practice their profession. Bookkeepers, for example, are not necessarily required to have a CPA license. But their legal activities are limited by the Texas Public Accountancy Act. Which is to say, while bookkeepers are permitted to prepare financial statements, the rules do not allow them to attach an attest report to the statements or to express official assurance about the statements’ reliability.
Those who prepare tax returns for a living (or who assist in doing so) are also not necessarily required to have a CPA license. They do, however, need to obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number to prepare federal taxes legally. (This is easily done, and there is no fee for doing so.) It’s important to note, however, that personally identifying information must be submitted to secure a PTIN, and if someone applying for one has a record of a felony conviction or any discrepancies in their own previous federal taxes, they may not be granted a PTIN.
Still, the scenarios in which a CPA license is a necessary and valuable asset—one achieved through a great deal of effort and education—are many. Which is why, should a complaint be lodged against that license, a CPA may find they are in a great deal of stress in a situation that is unfamiliar to them.
Should you find yourself at odds with the Board as result of one of such a complaint, BERTOLINO LLP can help. We are experienced professional license defense attorneys and we know how to navigate the complaint process. We are prepared to represent you at any legal hearing or proceeding regarding your CPA license.
Our Firm believes that immediately consulting an experienced professional license defense attorney to review allegations of misconduct helps ensure the most favorable outcome in your case. Our results speak for themselves. BERTOLINO LLP represents licensed professionals across the entire State of Texas. If you are facing disciplinary action, contact us today or call (512) 476-5757 and schedule a case evaluation.
Call or text (512) 476-5757 or complete a Case Evaluation form
