Is the RTRP test still available to take?

[AZ-Tax]

Is the RTRP test still available to take? If so does an EA who passes the RTRP have to take additional CPE's or does the EA's CPE's double count?

[MDEA]

rtrp

RTRP is over no more test no more designation. There never was a reason for an EA to take the test.

[taxea]

AFTS is the new voluntary certificate. RTRP designation should not be used for any purposes. If you have already qualified through RTRP testing you may qualify for AFTS certification without have to take additional CPE. The difference between AFTS and EA is the restriction on representing a client on appeals. AFTS has to agree to adhere to Cir 230 rules that apply, take required CPE each year, renew each year and maintain PTIN. You can check it out on NATP or other sites. IRS issues the certificate but does not do the testing.

[ATSMAN]

I believe starting in 2016 a PTIN holder can NOT even get limited representation on returns they prepared and filed. They only way to get any limited representation for returns you prepared is to get with the new IRS program.

I don't like this because if they are allowing a holder of PTIN to prepare returns for compensation, then they should also get limited representation like before for the returns they prepared.

[New York Enrolled Agent]

AFTS is the new voluntary certificate. RTRP designation should not be used for any purposes. If you have already qualified through RTRP testing you may qualify for AFTS certification without have to take additional CPE. The difference between AFTS and EA is the restriction on representing a client on appeals. AFTS has to agree to adhere to Cir 230 rules that apply, take required CPE each year, renew each year and maintain PTIN. You can check it out on NATP or other sites. IRS issues the certificate but does not do the testing.

It is AFSP not AFTS.

There is no testing in the AFSP program. You need PTIN + CE

The difference between EAs and AFSP individuals is that EAS have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers in audits, collections and appeals. At best AFSP individuals have limited rights in audits.

[JSLATER]

>>There is no testing in the AFSP program. You need PTIN + CE<<

Unless you are in the "exempt" category, you have to take a six hour course and take a 100 question test.


" Meet the requirements by obtaining 18 hours of continuing education, including a six hour federal tax law refresher course with test, and you will receive an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion from the IRS."

[New York Enrolled Agent]

>>There is no testing in the AFSP program. You need PTIN + CE<<

Unless you are in the "exempt" category, you have to take a six hour course and take a 100 question test.


" Meet the requirements by obtaining 18 hours of continuing education, including a six hour federal tax law refresher course with test, and you will receive an Annual Filing Season Program – Record of Completion from the IRS."

Sorry for my slipshod post - you are absolutely correct in reference to the refresher course. I was referring to the original post involving the RTRP program which had a competency test and not the AFSP program which has a comprehension quiz. There is a huge chasm between competency and comprehension. The IRS has done a dis-service to those who took and passed the RTRP test.

[JSLATER]

Sorry for my slipshod post - you are absolutely correct in reference to the refresher course. I was referring to the original post involving the RTRP program which had a competency test and not the AFSP program which has a comprehension quiz. There is a huge chasm between competency and comprehension. The IRS has done a dis-service to those who took and passed the RTRP test.

Great point on competency and comprehension. I am not positive, but during an IRS Webinar, it was stated approximately 63,000 passed the RTRP test and they might as well trash the certificate.

[TaxGuyBill]

Great point on competency and comprehension. I am not positive, but during an IRS Webinar, it was stated approximately 63,000 passed the RTRP test and they might as well trash the certificate.

A RTRP is an "exempt" person. They do not need to take the specific annual 6 hour course with the quiz. They just need 15 CPEs (compared to 18 for non RTRPs getting the AFSP certificate).

http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Annual-Filing-Season-Program

[taxea]

It is AFSP not AFTS.

There is no testing in the AFSP program. You need PTIN + CE

The difference between EAs and AFSP individuals is that EAS have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers in audits, collections and appeals. At best AFSP individuals have limited rights in audits.

sorry...my bad. According to my reading AFSPs is they can't participate in appeals.

[BP.]

RTRP designation should not be used for any purposes.

You can check it out on NATP . . .

NATP AFSP/RTRP FAQ: "I received my RTRP certificate, can I continue to use the RTRP designation?"

Answer: "According to the IRS, a person who received an RTRP certificate can use the designation, but the IRS just doesn't recognize it for any purpose other than AFSP requirements."

[taxea]

It is AFSP not AFTS.

There is no testing in the AFSP program. You need PTIN + CE

The difference between EAs and AFSP individuals is that EAS have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers in audits, collections and appeals. At best AFSP individuals have limited rights in audits.

2015 Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course if you want IRS Certificate

[RitaB]

Yes

A RTRP is an "exempt" person. They do not need to take the specific annual 6 hour course with the quiz. They just need 15 CPEs (compared to 18 for non RTRPs getting the AFSP certificate).

http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals...Season-Program

Yes, this is my understanding as well. RTRPs need eight hours this year, 15 thereafter. See also:

http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/Reduced-Requirements-for-Exempt-Individuals-for-the-Annual-Filing-Season-Program-Record-of-Completion

[arlo]

former RTRP

I took the 2015 annual fed refresher course given by TAXBOOK. Do I have to do anything more to get
the IRS certificate? Does TB pass this information on to the IRS or is it something I have to do?

[dodgedipduck]

Assuming you provided your PTIN, IRS continuing education providers will forward the information to the IRS. You will need additional credits. http://www.thetaxbook.com/tr_afsp_overview.asp