Professional licensing in Georgia

In Georgia, is it fair that the professional landscaper reimagining your backyard may need three separate licenses to do the work but not the woman who does your taxes?

It's an issue that played out earlier this year when state officials launched one of the largest tax preparation fraud investigations in Georgia history. Despite calls by consumer advocates, tax preparers in Georgia do not need to be professionally licensed to work here.

And some of the state’s top officials say they don’t think that needs to change.

Click here to read our premium story about Georgia's rules, the effect on working people and what advocates on both sides want.

About the Author

Kristina Torres

2020 foes squaring off in 2026 Georgia governor’s race

Some of the biggest names from the post-2020 clashes are all in the race to be Georgia’s next governor.

Chris Carr suing Burt Jones over unlimited fundraising edge

The Georgia attorney general's gubernatorial campaign claims a 2021 state law allowing Jones to raise unlimited cash is unfair.

Democrats usually avoid tax cuts. In this governor’s race, they’re all in.

Long a Republican rallying cry, the push for steep reductions is now being echoed by Democrats with their own proposals.

The Latest

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Senate vote rejecting health subsidies sets up Georgia’s 2026 race

OPINION

Republicans grumble about Democrat Jon Ossoff’s spending wins in Congress

What we learned from a Democratic win in an Athens House seat

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

MARTA chief says new train cars give smooth, quiet ride

Interim CEO Jonathan Hunt told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s editorial board he is focused on project delivery, which he said is key to winning back public trust.

God’s Acre: Former Native American boarding school reveals complex history

A Native American boarding school established by Moravian missionaries in North Georgia in the early 19th century reveals a complicated and compelling history.

Why Midtown’s holiday lights display is a little less vibrant this year

Midtown Bright, the annual winter lights display, was cut back this year.

Politics

Who needs and doesn’t need licenses to work in Georgia spurs questions