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Author: Andy Goldstein, NASBA Electronic Media Specialist and Webmaster
Posted: January 20, 2012

Consumers are empowered in more ways than ever to make sure that what you pay for, is indeed, what you get. If you're shopping for a used car, you can ask for a CARFAX™ report to tell you everything about the car's history. If you're buying a computer, you can check out product reviews and demonstrations from CNET.com. But, did you know there's also a free and easy-to-use website to find a Certified Public Accountant and verify that he or she has a valid CPA license in good standing? Before you hire a CPA for personal tax preparation or to handle the books of your small business, it may benefit you to look that person up on CPAverify.org.

CPAverify is an online central repository of information about licensed CPAs practicing across the nation. Maintained by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), CPAverify is populated by data received directly from participating state boards of accountancy. Currently, CPAverify houses more than 500,000 records of current and historical CPA licensee data for 23 states, with several more states anticipated to join in the next few months.

With just a few clicks and keystrokes on CPAverify.org, you can quickly and easily find out information such as how long a particular CPA has been licensed, the expiration date of his or her license, license type and number and if the State Board has noted any enforcement, compliance or disciplinary actions for the CPA. This makes finding a CPA much easier because you don't have to search each individual state board website and then compare information. It's all in one place for you. CPAverify does all of the work. This is especially useful when you are trying to find or are researching a CPA who is licensed to practice in multiple states.

Another advantage of CPAverify is that it can be used in job placement. Hiring managers and Human Resource professionals can use the site to verify CPA designation listings on resumes of potential job candidates. Additionally, CPAs seeking employment can encourage potential employers to look them up on CPAverify.org to authenticate their license status. What's more, CPAverify can also serve as a formidable marketing tool for CPAs, especially during tax season. Just like the potential job candidates mentioned above, CPAs seeking new clients can encourage potential new clients to search for them on CPAverify. This helps bolster integrity with clients and instills a sense of confidence and reassurance with them that the CPA is both proven and honest.

As you can see, there are a variety of uses and benefits of CPAverify.org. Launched in October 2011, CPAverify is quickly becoming a reputable source of CPA licensee data within the accounting profession and beyond. Should you have a need for a CPA, want to look yourself up or find out which states are participating, please don't hesitate to visit CPAverify.org.

For a complete listing of the states currently enrolled in CPAverify, click here.

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NASBA Launches CPAverify.org

CPAverify Offers State Boards Opportunity To Serve