Took the RTRP test in Buffalo

[FEDUKE404]

Apples and oranges

I have never quite understood the benefits of having to "memorize" stuff when any person, in the current electronics age, would (should!) have ready access to the appropriate information.

Certainly a working knowledge of fundamental concepts et al should be part of any tax person's skills.

But, I see no reason to clutter up my already overloaded brain to remember such things as what is the 2010 standard deduction for a married filing jointly return when one of the spouses is 65 YOA.

FE

[Gary2]

I have never quite understood the benefits of having to "memorize" stuff when any person, in the current electronics age, would (should!) have ready access to the appropriate information.

I agree, though I'll admit to surprising myself at how many form numbers I've learned without effort, purely through osmosis.

Personally, I'd love to see a test question of the form: "Find a page in an IRS publication that defines how to calculate bond premium amortization, and push this button when that page is displayed," with the question graded on how many keystrokes or mouse clicks it takes. Of course, this would take substantial programming as well as a local copy of the IRS web site. But it's a much more useful skill.

[Dusty2004]

Shrug

Research - while taking the test! Not fair I say. For my EA test we had paper and pencil and the test. I had to ask permission to reconstruct memorized info on my scratch paper.

This is like complaining to the plantation owner when he pays the employess hired at noon a full days wages. If you do not like the process I would complain to the powers that be. There is nothing I can do about it.

Is it going to be worth the "title" RTRP? I really think in 2012 and 2013 it will be because not everyone will be. If there are EA's in my area I do not know of any because none of them promote themselves.

Is it worth it being an EA? I would think you could charge more and do more complicated returns than me. I choose to stick with 1040, small Schedule C's, Small Schedule E's very few EITC. Just the nitch I have choosen and I do quite a few of them.

As for fair - all relative.

Dusty

[Peachie]

I totally agree

with your assessment Dusty.

My business and the returns I do are similar to yours. I like the niche I fill in tax prep. I am looking forward to taking this exam and will wear the distinction with pride. I hope this doesn't become EAs VS RTRPs. We have enough things to compare to without fighting among ourselves about what designation is best. The best one is the one that works for the preparer.

I don't do partnerships, S-corps, etc. so why do I need to over educate on these topics. I am home based and will not be expanding into the other area. I love the lane I'm in. I respect others for what they do and I hope they'll respect those of us that require less.

Peachie

[Jesse]

I think you took JG too seriously, JG is a very respectful poster and I think the comment was just poking a little fun at the situation.

[JG EA]

I think you took JG too seriously, JG is a very respectful poster and I think the comment was just poking a little fun at the situation.

Thanks, you made my day! (My sense of humor is a little unfathomable at times.Next time I will use a smiley face.)

[taxea]

For all the energy that is taken up here in focusing on the RTRP exam, which is quite restrictive compared to the SEE exam- you really should take the SEE and join NAEA.

By the nature of the discussion - it would seem that none of you have ever taken a standardized exam before and yo feel you're risking your life in going through the experience.

EA exams were given with no Pub 17 to refer to, no calculators - you had to use the knowledge of tax comprehension to pass otherwise you didn't get your EA license..

I took the EA exam in San Francisco. No resource material and no calculators. You had to know the formulas (calculations) to determine the tax on various items (SS, losses, COLA, and any other) without benefit of looking at the form, form instructions or Publications.

Consider yourself lucky that you have a resource for this. We had to have Pub 17 memorized for all intent and purpose.