Richmond, VA · IRS Tax Professionals
Find an IRS-Authorized Tax Professional in Richmond, VA
Understand who's actually authorized to represent you before the IRS — CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and attorneys under Circular 230 — versus preparers with more limited representation rights. Serving Richmond, VA and the surrounding region — Richmond CPAs serve Fortune 500 headquarters, banking and insurance, tobacco-to-tech manufacturers, and Virginia's state-capital legal and government economy.
Why Richmond clients hire irs tax pros
Local context for irs tax professionals in Richmond, VA
Dominant local industries
- Banking, insurance & financial services
- Manufacturing & advanced materials
- Healthcare & life sciences
- Government & legal services
- Real estate & development
Virginia tax climate
Virginia has a graduated personal income tax topping at 5.75% and a flat 6% corporate income tax. The state offers an elective pass-through entity tax (PTET) for SALT-cap planning. Sales tax is 5.3% state (with 0.7%–1.7% local add-ons), and the BPOL gross-receipts license tax applies in most localities and is a recurring compliance item.
Key local deadline
May 1
Virginia individual income tax return (Form 760) due — Virginia's filing deadline is later than the federal April 15 date.
When to hire
- You need someone to communicate with the IRS directly on your behalf
- You're facing an audit, appeal, or collections matter
- You want confirmation that your preparer can represent you if issues arise later
- You're choosing between preparer types and representation rights matter to you
- You've received IRS correspondence and need authorized help responding
What they do
- Hold unlimited representation rights under IRS Circular 230 (CPAs, EAs, attorneys)
- File Form 2848 Power of Attorney to communicate with the IRS on your behalf
- Represent you in audits, appeals, and collections proceedings
- Prepare returns while maintaining eligibility to represent you if questions arise later
- Advise on your rights and options when dealing with the IRS
Typical fees
What it costs
Low end
$150
per hour
High end
$600
per hour
Notes
Varies by credential: EAs run $150–$400/hr, CPAs $200–$600+/hr, tax attorneys $300–$700+/hr for the most complex representation matters.
Compare
Circular 230 Practitioner (CPA/EA/Attorney) vs Unenrolled Preparer
| Factor | Circular 230 Practitioner (CPA/EA/Attorney) | Unenrolled Preparer |
|---|---|---|
| Representation rights | Unlimited before the IRS | Limited to returns they personally prepared |
| Audit representation | Full authority | Cannot represent in most cases |
| Appeals and collections | Can handle directly | Cannot represent |
| Ethical oversight | Governed by Circular 230 standards | Limited formal oversight |
| Typical fee | $150–$700/hr depending on credential | $150–$350/hr, preparation only |
Questions to ask
- What credential authorizes you to represent me before the IRS — CPA, EA, or attorney?
- Can you show me your license or Enrolled Agent number?
- Have you represented clients in situations like mine before?
- Will you file Form 2848 so you can speak with the IRS directly?
- What's your experience with audits versus simple notice responses?
- How do you charge for representation versus preparation work?
Red flags
- Not actually a CPA, EA, or attorney despite claiming to 'help with the IRS'
- Unfamiliar with Form 2848 or Circular 230
- Overpromises specific outcomes with the IRS
- No verifiable license or Enrolled Agent number
- Vague about the limits of their representation rights
Documents to prepare
- Any IRS notices or correspondence received
- The tax return in question
- A timeline of prior communication with the IRS
- Financial documentation relevant to your situation
- Photo ID for identity verification purposes
By city
IRS Tax Professionals in Richmond in major U.S. cities
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IRS Tax Professionals serving Richmond, VA
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FAQ
IRS Tax Professionals in Richmond — common questions
How much does irs tax professionals cost in Richmond?+
Richmond irs tax professionals typically charge $150–$600 per hour. Varies by credential: EAs run $150–$400/hr, CPAs $200–$600+/hr, tax attorneys $300–$700+/hr for the most complex representation matters.
Do I need a Virginia-licensed CPA to work with a irs tax professionals in Richmond?+
For Virginia state filings, your preparer should hold a CPA license from the Virginia Board of Accountancy or be an Enrolled Agent. Out-of-state pros can prepare your federal return but should not sign as a CPA on Virginia returns. Virginia has a graduated personal income tax topping at 5.75% and a flat 6% corporate income tax.
Who is authorized to represent me before the IRS?+
Under IRS Circular 230, only CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and attorneys have unlimited representation rights. Other preparers (PTIN-only) can represent clients only for returns they personally prepared, and only in limited circumstances.
What is Circular 230?+
It's the set of Treasury Department regulations governing practitioners who represent taxpayers before the IRS — establishing standards of conduct, eligibility, and ethical obligations for CPAs, EAs, and attorneys.
Do I need an IRS-authorized professional for a simple return?+
Not necessarily — but if there's any chance of an audit or notice down the road, working with someone who can represent you if needed avoids having to find and onboard a new professional under pressure.
What's the difference between preparing a return and representing a taxpayer?+
Preparation is filing the return itself. Representation means communicating with the IRS on the taxpayer's behalf — attending meetings, responding to notices, negotiating resolutions — which requires Circular 230 authorization.
How do I check if someone is really authorized to represent me?+
Ask directly whether they're a CPA, EA, or attorney, and verify through the appropriate channel — state board of accountancy for CPAs, IRS directory for EAs, state bar for attorneys.
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