Searches can be conducted by and sorted by the name, city, state and zip code of the preparers. All those listed have a 2015 Preparer Tax Identification Numbers. Taxpayers can also search by preferred credentials or qualifications and locations, including those who practice abroad.

The directory does not list those who have PTINs and are not attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents or have not participated in the filing season program. Volunteer preparers who offer free services are also not listed.

The system provides for searches for attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Enrolled Actuaries and Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent, along with Annual Filing Season Program Participant. They can also choose to search by distance from a particular zip code, starting with five miles and going up to 250 miles.