What Is a CPA?

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a licensed accounting professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state licensing requirements. CPAs can prepare tax returns, provide tax planning advice, and represent you before the IRS in an audit. Not all CPAs specialize in taxes — some focus on auditing, financial reporting, or business consulting. A CPA with a tax specialty is valuable for complex returns involving businesses, investments, or multiple states. Verify a CPA's license through your state's board of accountancy.