Tax Professional Designations

TAX PROFESSIONAL
DESIGNATIONS
Charles Davidson, Accelerated Tax
Systems
Tax Professional
Designations
This presentation discusses the four
primary designations used by
professionals in the tax industry.
If you have questions, please contact:
Charles Davidson
Accelerated Tax Systems
davidson@acceleratedtaxsystems.com
www.acceleratedtaxsystems.com
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Rights Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional
Designations
Five Types of Designations
Unenrolled Preparer
Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP)
Enrolled Agent (EA)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Attorney

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Tax Professional
Designations
Unenrolled Preparer
Prior to 2010, referred to preparers who were not

enrolled agents
With the implementation of the PTIN system, everyone
has to register
Replaced with Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) in
2010
Depending on outcome of court case, IRS may return to
this term.
Unofficial use now:
Unenrolled preparer
Illegal preparer
Unlicensed preparer

Rights Reserved.
Tax Professional
Designations
Most basic level of tax professional

Requirements:
You must register with the IRS and obtain a Preparer Tax
Identification Number (PTIN)
Application fee o $64.25 Renewable each year
Remain current with tax obligations tax compliance check
Background checks
On hold for now

If background checks are conducted, the IRS indicates that a criminal
record will not necessarily prevent you from obtaining a PTIN
Cases examine on a case-by-case basis.
Limited right to practice before the IRS

Rights Reserved.
Tax Professional
Designations
Suspended Requirements
Two additional requires suspended pending the outcome of the

court case
Competency examination
Continuing education requirement
These regulations may be reinstated if the IRS wins the court case
The IRS has stopped using the Registered Tax Return

Preparer officially
There is no indication of what the new terminology will be.
Many tax professionals who took and passed the exam are
currently using the designation
Awaiting further information from the IRS

Rights Reserved.
Tax Professional
Designations
Enrolled Agent (EA)
Only designation endorsed and awarded by the IRS
Considered a tax specialist
Requirements
Pass a three-part exam on individual tax law, business tax law, and
ethics
IRS Experience may also qualify you as an Enrolled Agent
Continuing education 72 hours every 3 years
Unlimited right to practice before the IRS

Rights Reserved.
Tax Professional
Designations
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Licensed by the state board of accountancy in the state where they reside
Each state has difference licensing requirements

College degree in finance or business
Comprehensive exam is required
Experience requirement between 3 and 5 years of experience in a public
accountancy firm
Adhere to strict standards established by the American Institute of

Certified Public Accountants
Unlimited practice before the IRS
Able to audit financial statements of companies and work in a consulting
and planning role
Tax compliance is not a large part of their business
Most have predominately small to large businesses and corporations as clients

Focus on tax planning
Specialize in tax controversy and representation

Rights Reserved.
Tax Professional
Designations
Attorney
Licensed by the state bar in the state where they reside
Legal professionals can focus on many different areas of law
Each state has difference licensing requirements

J.D. degree in law
Comprehensive exam (bar exam) is required
Usually specialize on a single area of law: corporate law, criminal
law, tax law
Tax lawyers focus on finding advantages for the benefit of their
clients
They often review major business deals to look for tax implications
Full right to practice before the IRS and represent clients in

tax court
Most attorneys do not get involved in preparing tax returns

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Accelerated Tax Systems is a full-service

company that provides the products,
services, and resources that help you
create and grow a successful tax
practice.
Tax Education Training

Software and Bank Products
Marketing
Operations
Consulting Services

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We can help you start your tax preparation

business
Consulting
and coaching
Computer hardware and software
Bank products
Training and technical support
Tax education programs for you and your staff
www.TaxBusinessDirect.com
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Contact Us
Charles Davidson
2910 Weald Way No. 514
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 717-6454
davidson@acceleratedtaxsystems.com
Rights Reserved.

Tax Professional Designations

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TAX PROFESSIONAL

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Five Types of Designations

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Prior to 2010, referred to preparers who were not

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP)

Most basic level of tax professional

On hold for now

Limited right to practice before the IRS

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP)

Two additional requires suspended pending the outcome of the

The IRS has stopped using the Registered Tax Return

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Enrolled Agent (EA)

Only designation endorsed and awarded by the IRS

Considered a tax specialist

IRS Experience may also qualify you as an Enrolled Agent

Continuing education 72 hours every 3 years

Unlimited right to practice before the IRS

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Each state has difference licensing requirements

Adhere to strict standards established by the American Institute of

Most have predominately small to large businesses and corporations as clients

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Licensed by the state bar in the state where they reside

Legal professionals can focus on many different areas of law

Each state has difference licensing requirements

Full right to practice before the IRS and represent clients in

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Accelerated Tax Systems

Accelerated Tax Systems is a full-service

Tax Education Training

Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All

Accelerated Tax Systems

Accelerated Tax Systems

We can help you start your tax preparation

Accelerated Tax Systems

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