Credential Definitions

There are many designations that can follow a member's name. Sometime it can be difficult to know what they all mean. We have provided a list of initials, what they mean, and define services they cover. (Our thanks to the AICPA and the Accreditation Council for Accoutancy and Taxation (ACAT) for providing this information.)

CPA - Certified Public Accountant: A credential conferred by a stat or similar governmental jurisdiction that authorizes the holder to practice as a certified public accountant in that jurisdiction.

PA - Public Accountant: Generic term for persons/firms which practice public accounting but are not CPAs. Some states license public accountants.

EA - Enrolled Agent: A tax practioner who, by passing an examination given by the U.S. Treasury Department, can represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service.

ABA - Accredited Business Accountant: A tax practitioner who specializes in the financial accounting, financial reporting, financial statement preparation, taxation, business consulting services, business law, and ethics for small to medium sized businesses and in financial services to individuals and family.

ATA - Accredited Tax Advisor: A tax practitioner who can 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 and estates, as well as tax planning, tax consulting and ethics.

ATP - Accredited Tax Preparer: A tax practitioner who has a thorough knowledge of the existing tax code and the preparation of individual tax returns. Their expertise covers comprehensive 1040 issues (including supporting schedules, self-employed returns, etc.) and ethics.

ECS - Elder Care Services: A host of financial and non-financial services targeted at older adults and their family members to help those older adults maintain their independence for as long as possible and to provide peace of mind for their family members.