I attended an IRS Seminar where discussion topics included PTINs and the IRS testing program. I learned a few things that some of you might find useful.
1. Beginning 09/11, applicants for PTINs will be subject to tax compliance checks (i.e., have they filed their own tax returns, paid taxes or have a payment plan!)
2. Competency testng will begin 10/11 at Prometric testing centers; estimated fee $100-$125. The original plan was to have 2 levels of testing for preparers of 1040s but that has been changed to only one level. Additional tests for other returns (e.g., payroll, 1120s, etc.) might follow at a later date.
3. Beginning in 10/11, besides passing competency test, IRS will be requiring background checks which will require submission of fingerprints through an IRS-approved vendor (Prometric testing centers and UPS Store are the approved ones at the present), estimated fee $60-$90. [Not required for attorneys, CPAs or EAs.]
4. Beginning in 2012, "Registered Tax Return Preparers" will have to complete 15 continuing education hours per year from approved providers.
Renewal season for PTINs will begin in October and all PTINs will be for a calendar year. For those of us who are CPAs, attorneys and EAs, that is all we have to do. Yeah!
1. Beginning 09/11, applicants for PTINs will be subject to tax compliance checks (i.e., have they filed their own tax returns, paid taxes or have a payment plan!)
2. Competency testng will begin 10/11 at Prometric testing centers; estimated fee $100-$125. The original plan was to have 2 levels of testing for preparers of 1040s but that has been changed to only one level. Additional tests for other returns (e.g., payroll, 1120s, etc.) might follow at a later date.
3. Beginning in 10/11, besides passing competency test, IRS will be requiring background checks which will require submission of fingerprints through an IRS-approved vendor (Prometric testing centers and UPS Store are the approved ones at the present), estimated fee $60-$90. [Not required for attorneys, CPAs or EAs.]
4. Beginning in 2012, "Registered Tax Return Preparers" will have to complete 15 continuing education hours per year from approved providers.
Renewal season for PTINs will begin in October and all PTINs will be for a calendar year. For those of us who are CPAs, attorneys and EAs, that is all we have to do. Yeah!
Comment