A2P 10DLC for CPAs and Accounting Firms: A Compliance Guide to Client Texting

Text messages are one of the fastest ways for an accounting firm to collect missing documents, confirm appointments and remind clients about deadlines. But if your firm texts clients from a CRM, practice management tool or any software, US carriers treat it as business texting. That means A2P 10DLC for CPAs is not optional: unregistered messages from 10-digit numbers are blocked by the major carriers.

This guide explains what CPA and accounting firms need to register, which campaign types fit tax and bookkeeping work, and how to write messages that get approved and keep client data safe.

What A2P 10DLC means for an accounting firm

A2P stands for application-to-person: a message sent by software rather than typed one by one on a personal phone. 10DLC means a standard 10-digit local number. Since February 2025, major US carriers block unregistered A2P traffic on 10-digit numbers entirely, rather than just slowing it down. Registration happens through The Campaign Registry (TCR), usually via your texting provider, in two parts:

1. Brand registration, which verifies your firm's legal name, EIN, address and website.

2. Campaign registration, which describes what you send, how clients opt in and gives sample messages.

If your firm uses GoHighLevel, LeadConnector submits both through the Trust Center inside the sub-account.

Texting use cases that fit a CPA firm

Keep marketing separate. If you want to promote services, add marketing as its own use case rather than mixing it into operational reminders, because marketing carries stricter consent requirements.

Protect client data in every message

Tax preparers handle highly sensitive information, and the FTC Safeguards Rule requires firms that prepare taxes to protect customer information. A text message is not a secure channel, so set firm-wide rules:

• Never text Social Security numbers, account numbers, balances, refund amounts or copies of returns.

• Send a link to your secure client portal instead of attaching documents.

• Use your own branded domain for links, never public URL shorteners, which carriers flag.

• Identify your firm by name in every message so clients can tell you apart from tax scammers.

That last point matters more for CPAs than most industries. Clients are trained to distrust unexpected tax-related texts, and carriers filter messages that look like phishing. Clear branding and portal links protect both deliverability and client trust.

What carriers want to see in your registration

A matching brand

Your legal business name, EIN, website and email domain should all match. A firm registered as "Smith & Lee CPAs PLLC" with a website for "SL Tax Group" invites rejection. If you trade under a DBA, make the connection clear on your website.

A clear opt-in

Describe exactly how clients agree to texts. Good opt-in points for accounting firms include the engagement letter, the client intake form and the portal signup. Example disclosure for an intake form:

"By checking this box, you agree to receive text messages from Smith & Lee CPAs about document requests, appointments and deadlines. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to opt out."

The checkbox should be optional and unchecked by default, and texting consent should not be a condition of hiring the firm.

Approvable sample messages

• "Smith & Lee CPAs: Hi Maria, we still need your 2026 1099-B to finish your return. Upload it securely here: portal.smithleecpas.com. Reply STOP to opt out."

• "Smith & Lee CPAs: Reminder, your tax planning meeting is Tue at 2 pm. Reply C to confirm or call 555-010-2030 to reschedule. Reply STOP to opt out."

• "Smith & Lee CPAs: Your return is ready for e-signature in your client portal. Questions? Reply here. Reply STOP to opt out."

A compliant privacy policy

Your privacy policy must cover SMS and state that mobile numbers and consent are not sold or shared with third parties for marketing. See SMS privacy policy and terms language for wording.

Mid-article CTA: Want your firm's A2P registration done right the first time? Book a free audit call and we will review your forms, policy and sample messages.

Plan around tax season volume

Throughput depends on your brand's trust score and registration type. Firms registered as sole proprietors face low daily limits, which a busy practice can hit during filing season. A firm with an EIN should register as a standard brand. Schedule document-request campaigns in batches through January and February rather than one large send in March.

Automations worth building

• Missing document chaser: a sequence that stops automatically when the client uploads to the portal.

• Extension reminders: a reminder before the extended filing deadline for clients on extension.

• Quarterly estimate reminders: sent before each estimated tax due date to clients who opted in.

• Engagement letter follow-up: reminders until the letter is signed.

See GoHighLevel for accounting firms for the full CRM setup.

Frequently asked questions

Do CPA firms need 10DLC registration? Yes, if you send texts from software to US mobile numbers using a 10-digit number. Firm size and volume do not create an exemption.

Can I text clients their tax refund amount? Avoid it. Keep financial details in the secure portal and use texts only to prompt clients to log in.

Which campaign type should an accounting firm choose? Most operational reminders fit account notification or customer care. Register marketing separately if you plan to promote services.

How long does approval take? Brand review often takes a few business days and campaign approval can take one to several weeks, so register well before tax season.

Text clients with confidence

Calari Solutions sets up compliant A2P 10DLC registration, secure-portal reminder workflows and CRM automation for accounting firms. Schedule a free audit call to get your firm texting before the next deadline rush.