Texas CPA license lookup: how to check a tax pro before you hire

For a Texas CPA license lookup, search both the person and the firm on the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy's online lookup and read the status shown; for a preparer who is not a CPA, ask for the IRS preparer tax identification number (PTIN) and any credential. ^[1][2]

Texas CPA license lookup: how to check a license, step by step

1. Search the person's name on the board's online license lookup and read the status it shows ^[1].
2. Search the firm as well, because a Texas CPA firm holds its own firm license, separate from its owners' licenses ^[3].
3. If the CPA's main office is in another state, check the license with that state's board, since the CPA may be practicing here under the out-of-state privilege ^[3].
4. Watch for look-alike titles such as certified accountant, and remember that a CPA whose license has lapsed may not use the CPA title ^[3][4].

A Texas CPA whose license has lapsed may not use the CPA title, and anyone can check a license's standing on the board's website (TSBPA newsletter, February 2026). ^[4]

A Texas CPA who is at least 60 and has no association with accounting, which includes preparing tax returns or giving tax advice, can take retired status at renewal, pay a $15 fee and skip CPE, and may then write "Retired CPA" (TSBPA newsletter, February 2026). General example for 2027: a 63-year-old CPA who stops all paid tax work renews in retired status for $15 by the end of the birth month in 2027. ^[4]

A Texas CPA license that has been expired for two years or more cannot be renewed; the person must get a new license by meeting the requirements for an original license, including the exam requirements. A person whose license has expired may not do work that requires a license until it is renewed (Occupations Code s. 901.405, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: a license that has been expired since October 31, 2024 can no longer be renewed on or after October 31, 2026. ^[3]

In Texas a person may not use a title likely to be confused with certified public accountant, such as certified accountant, chartered accountant or licensed accountant, or an abbreviation likely to be confused with CPA, unless an exception in the law applies (Occupations Code s. 901.453, in force for 2026). ^[3]

In Texas only a licensed CPA, or someone practicing under the out-of-state privilege, can issue an audit or other attest report on financial statements; a person without a license may still prepare financial statements (Occupations Code s. 901.456, in force for 2026). ^[3]

How to check a CPA firm as well as the person

Ask the firm for its license details, and if it does audits, ask about its peer review.

A Texas CPA firm must tell the board within 31 days when the information in its firm license affidavit changes, including when an owner or resident manager joins or leaves (Occupations Code s. 901.354, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: a partner who joins a firm on December 4, 2026 must be reported to the board by January 4, 2027. ^[3]

Texas CPA firms that do attest work go through a board peer review program, and the board's fee for each peer review may not exceed $200 (Occupations Code s. 901.159, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: the most the board can charge a firm for each peer review in 2026 is $200. ^[3]

The Texas board can discipline a person who is certified, or a firm required to be licensed, that does not get a license by the third anniversary of being certified or becoming required to hold one (Occupations Code s. 901.502, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: a person certified in November 2026 must hold a license by November 2029. ^[3]

Is the CPA keeping the license current?

Ask whether the CPA's continuing education is up to date and when the license next renews.

A Texas CPA needs 120 hours of continuing professional education every three years, including at least 4 hours of a Board-approved Texas ethics course every two years, with no carryover of extra hours (TSBPA renewal page, checked October 27, 2026). General example for 2026: a CPA whose three-year period ends in 2026 needs 120 hours earned in that period, including the ethics course. ^[5]

A Texas CPA renews the license, reports CPE hours and pays the renewal fee by the last day of the CPA's birth month, through the TSBPA online portal (TSBPA renewal page, checked October 27, 2026). General example for 2027: a CPA born in March renews by March 31, 2027. ^[5]

When a CPA from another state works on your return

Ask where the CPA's main office is and which board licenses them.

A CPA with an active license from another state whose main office is outside Texas can practice in Texas without a Texas license if the CPA passed the CPA exam, has the required accounting education and had the required work experience when licensed in the other state (Occupations Code s. 901.462, in force for 2026). ^[3]

A CPA firm licensed in another state but not in Texas can practice in Texas without a Texas firm license or notice to the board if its Texas work is done by people who hold a Texas license or practice under the out-of-state privilege (Occupations Code s. 901.461, in force for 2026). ^[3]

Checking a tax preparer who is not a CPA

Ask for the preparer's PTIN and any credential, and ask whether they can speak for you if the IRS writes.

Other paid preparers may hold no professional credential, but anyone paid to prepare federal returns must have an IRS preparer tax identification number (PTIN). ^[2]

The IRS Annual Filing Season Program is voluntary for non-credentialed preparers: they complete 18 hours of continuing education, including a six-hour federal tax law refresher course with a test, renew their PTIN and agree to Circular 230 duties, and receive a record of completion. PTIN holders without it or another credential can prepare returns but cannot represent clients before the IRS (rule in force for 2026). ^[6]

What it takes to become a Texas CPA

Ask how long the CPA has been licensed and what experience they bring to work like yours.

To sit for the CPA exam in Texas, a candidate needs a bachelor's or graduate degree and at least 120 semester hours, including at least 24 semester hours of accounting (Occupations Code s. 901.254, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: a graduate with 120 hours, 24 of them in accounting, can sit for the exam in 2026. ^[3]

A Texas CPA candidate with 150 semester hours or a graduate degree needs at least one year of acceptable work experience, which can include tax services, attest work or advisory work (Occupations Code s. 901.256, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: a candidate with a master's degree who starts qualifying tax work in January 2026 meets the requirement in January 2027. ^[3]

Since August 1, 2026, Texas law (Senate Bill 262, 2025) lets a person qualify for a Texas CPA certificate with a bachelor's degree with an accounting concentration instead of 150 semester hours, but that path needs two years of work experience instead of one, as set by board rule (Occupations Code ss. 901.252 and 901.256). General example for 2026: a 2026 graduate with a 120-hour accounting degree who passes the CPA exam can be certified after two years of qualifying experience. ^[3]

What the board can act on, and what a CPA must keep private

Know what the board can act on, and expect a CPA to keep your information private.

The Texas board can discipline a CPA for fraud or gross negligence, including knowingly helping prepare a false tax return or failing to file the CPA's own income tax return (Occupations Code s. 901.502, in force for 2026). ^[3]

A Texas CPA charged with a violation has 20 days after receiving the board's report to ask in writing for a hearing or to pay the administrative penalty; missing that window gives up the right to a hearing (Occupations Code s. 901.554, in force for 2026). General example for 2026: a CPA who receives the report on November 4, 2026 has until November 24, 2026 to respond. ^[3]

A Texas CPA may not voluntarily disclose information a client shared in connection with the CPA's services without the client's permission, except where professional standards, an IRS summons or subpoena, or other listed rules require it (Occupations Code s. 901.457, in force for 2026). ^[3]

Your own license dates matter too

Give your CPA your own license renewal dates so tax and license deadlines do not collide.

Texas physicians renew their registration every two years, and reminders go out at least 60 days before the expiration date. ^[7]

State Bar of Texas membership fees for the 2027 to 2028 bar year are due June 1, 2027 (fees for the 2026 to 2027 bar year were due June 1, 2026). ^[8]

Texas dentists renew their licenses every two years, by midnight on the expiration date. They must hold a current BLS CPR certification and have passed the jurisprudence assessment. ^[9]

Qualifying commercial vehicles that travel in more than one state or Canadian province file a consolidated motor fuels tax report under IFTA. ^[10]

Get connected with a firm

Tell us about the business and we look for a tax firm that works with owners like you, then introduce you if there is a fit.

Tax firms in Texas can tell us about the firm ahead of the directory.

General information from the official sources listed below, checked October 27, 2026. Not tax or legal advice.