Find an Accredited Tax or Accounting Professional

The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation is dedicated to accrediting accounting, tax and elder care specialists. We identify these individuals through an examination program that is statistically valid and fair. ACAT is committed to providing this information to consumers to ensure they are represented by qualified professionals. To learn more about ACAT and its credentials, view our PowerPoint presentation.

ACAT is your resource for finding a tax or accounting professional with nationally recognized credentials. It's simple with ACAT's directories of credentialed professionals. The directory lists (1) professionals who provide both accounting and tax services (ABA credential); (2) accountants specializing in individual tax preparation (ATP credential); (3) accountants who provide a broad range of individual and business tax and advisory services (ATA credential); and (4) professionals who know the ins and outs of financial care for seniors (ElderCare Specialists). Click here to find a professional in your locale.

Types of ACAT Credentials

Accredited Business Accountants specialize in accounting services for small to medium size businesses, individual and families. They can provide personalized financial reports and interpret those reports for you. These professionals have passed the standardized Accreditation Council examination which tests technical proficiency in financial accounting, reporting, statement preparation, taxation, business law and consulting services. ABAs have a minimum of three years work experience in the accounting/taxation field. Read more about ABA professionals.

Accredited Tax Advisors credential holders have demonstrated the ability to handle sophisticated tax planning issues. including planning for owners of closely held businesses, planning for the highly compensated, choosing qualified retirement plans and performing estate tax planning. Their expertise covers tax returns for individuals, business entities, fiduciaries trusts, estates as well as tax planning and consulting. Read more about ATA credential holders.

Accredited Tax Preparer® (ATP) demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the existing tax code and the preparation of individual tax returns. This expertise covers comprehensive 1040 issues (including supporting schedules, self-employed returns) and ethics. Review what the ATP credential holder requires.

Elder Care Specialists have a thorough knowledge of preparing their clients for retirement the essentials of estate and trust planning and financial planning for the elderly. Read more about this accreditation.