This presentation presents an overview of the five main designations used by tax professionals and an understanding of what each of those designations mean.

1. TAX PROFESSIONAL
DESIGNATIONS
Charles Davidson, Accelerated Tax
Systems

2. 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
Tax Professional Designations
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Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

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

4.  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
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Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional Designations

5.  Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP)
 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
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional Designations

6.  Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP)
 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
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Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional Designations

7.  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
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional Designations

8.  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 representationCopyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional Designations

9.  Attorney
 Licensed by the state bar in the state where they reside
 Each state has difference licensing requirements
 J.D. degree in law
 Comprehensive exam (bar exam) is required
 Legal professionals can focus on many different areas of law
 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
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Tax Professional Designations

10.  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
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

11.  Accelerated Tax Systems
 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
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com

12. Contact Us
Charles Davidson
Accelerated Tax Systems
2910 Weald Way No. 514
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 717-6454
davidson@acceleratedtaxsystems.com
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com
Accelerated Tax Systems
Copyright 2013 Accelerated Tax Systems. All Rights
Reserved.
www.AcceleratedTaxSystems.com