N
The Global Insight

Can a CPA sell life insurance?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on March 09, 2026

To sell life insurance, CPAs normally must be licensed by the state in which they practice. CPAs that sell variable life insurance and variable annuities also need to be sponsored by a broker-dealer registered with NASD and pass the Series 6 and 63 examinations. Many insurance companies own a broker-dealer.

How long does a tax preparer have to keep records of clients?

three years
A tax preparer is expected to keep tax records for at least three years. According to Internal Revenue Service Bulletin 2012-11, the tax preparer must keep tax returns, along with supporting documentation for a minimum of three years and in some situations, it is recommended to keep them longer.

How much does a tax preparer charge per client?

The average cost for tax preparation is $225 per return. Hiring a tax accountant to file your taxes, you will likely spend between $99 and $450 per return. The price of tax preparation can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). View our local tax accountants or get free estimates from pros near you.

Can my tax preparer steal some of my refund?

Not only could a scam tax preparer steal your refund, but he or she could also use your personal information to get government benefits or loans in your name.

Do accountants sell insurance?

Many CPA firms now provide insurance and investment services to their clients in addition to core services. Investment products to accumulate wealth are noncore. Brokers generally receive sales commissions for insurance products.

Can CPA firms sell insurance?

The CPA firm itself needs a license if it receives insurance sales commissions. Further, the rules require a firm employee to also have an insurance license. A good way to meet these requirements is to license an LLC owned by the partners of the CPA firm to sell insurance.

Can a tax preparer be liable?

Tax Preparer Liability FAQ A: Ordinarily the taxpayer will be responsible for any additional income tax, but the preparer can potentially be held liable for the additional penalties and interest. Most reputable preparers will cover the penalties and interest related to their own mistakes.

Can my tax preparer call IRS?

The Practitioner Priority Service® (PPS) is your first point of contact for account-related issues. Our Practitioner Priority Service® is a professional support line that staffed by IRS customer service representatives specially trained to handle practitioners’ accounts questions. You may contact PPS at 866-860-4259.

What is the most a tax preparer can charge?

The average cost of hiring a tax professional ranges from $146 to $457. Purchasing tax accounting software can be a less expensive option; it can be free (for simple returns) and for more complex filing options, it will generally cost less than $130.

Is the tax treatment of selling client list the same?

The tax treatment is the same in either case, but I am puzzled about what you are selling. You say a “client list”, but do you in fact mean the clients whose names appear in that list. I would not pay you anything at all for a list of your clients if you were going to continue to do your utmost to retain them as clients.

Is the client list of my tax practice an asset?

The only asset was the client list; which included the assets under management, from which an ongoing commiss … read more I have a client who is selling her business and would like to structure the sale so that part of the proceeds can be treated as Capital Gains rather than ordinary income.

What can a tax preparer do for You?

For example, if you started or sold a business, went through a divorce, bought or sold a home, or had any other major life change, a tax preparer can alert you to the relevant rules you’ll have to follow and the breaks to which you may be entitled. You were busy, busy, busy in the market.

Is it possible to sell your client list?

I am selling my client list of my tax practice to another… Second opinion] Hello. We are selling our S corp small business in an asset deal and was wondering what out tax consequence would be. … read more I sold my accounting practice and split my assets between customer list, goodwill and covenant not to compete.