The Internal Revenue Service has begun providing the initial set of test results and certificates to tax preparers who have registered for the new tax return preparer competency test.
Tax preparers who pass the test along with a tax compliance check will receive the new designation of Registered Tax Return Preparer.
Since the test became available last November, it has been in a “calibration phase,” according to the IRS, as the agency validated the test questions and set the passing score. This phase has now ended. The 120-question test has a perfect score of 500. Preparers must score 350 or higher to receive a passing grade.
All individuals who have taken the test to date were recently sent a letter from the IRS informing them whether they passed or failed the exam. Those who pass the test must still pass a separate tax compliance check performed by the IRS, which will generally be completed within a couple of weeks after the test score is issued. Those individuals who pass both the test and the tax compliance check will be sent a Registered Tax Return Preparer certificate. Only those tax preparers who have received a Registered Tax Return Preparer certificate are allowed to call themselves Registered Tax Return Preparers.
The test is part of a larger effort by the IRS to ensure competency and professional standards in the tax preparation industry. All paid tax return preparers must obtain and annually renew a Preparer Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. Certain return preparers must also complete 15 hours of continuing education annually, pass the one-time competency test by Dec. 31, 2013, and pass a tax compliance check.
CPAs, attorneys and Enrolled Agents are exempt from the new continuing education and testing requirements because they already have separate requirements. Also exempt are non-signing preparers who are supervised by CPAs, attorneys or Enrolled Agents and those who do not prepare the Form 1040 series.
While preparers have nearly two years to take the test, the IRS is encouraging them to complete the requirement as soon as they can. Preparers with a testing requirement can schedule the test by accessing their PTIN account at
Tax preparers can learn more details about the test at
Testing will be suspended for a two-week period beginning April 1 and resume on April 16, 2012, the IRS warned. Those taking the test on or after April 16th will receive immediate test results at the test center after completion of the test.
The process for individuals to become an Enrolled Agent remains unchanged, the IRS noted. Most Enrolled Agents have passed a comprehensive three-part IRS test, known as the Special Enrollment Examination, covering individual and business standards and representation rules.
Enrolled Agents also must complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years. More information on the Special Enrollment Examination and the Registered Tax Return Preparer Competency Test is available at www.IRS.gov/taxpros/tests.
