This document discusses credentials offered by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) for tax preparers and accountants. ACAT offers credentials like the Accredited Tax Advisor, Accredited Tax Preparer, and Accredited Business Accountant that demonstrate competency in tax and accounting. To earn these credentials, candidates must pass examinations, have years of experience, commit to continuing education, and adhere to ethical standards. The document recommends hiring ACAT credentialed professionals for personalized tax preparation and accounting services.

1. Choosing a Tax or Accounting Professional
It’s a decision that carries the same weight as
selecting your doctor, your dentist, an attorney,
or any other professional service provider.
Most people would never hire a doctor, dentist,
or lawyer without proven credentials.
It shouldn’t be any different for tax preparers
and accountants.

2. Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation®
(ACAT) Credentials
Recognized nationally; earned voluntarily
• Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA)
• Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)
• Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA)
• Accredited Retirement Advisor (ARA)
Credentialed professionals offer HIGHER LEVELS OF SERVICE

3. ACAT Tax and Accounting Credentials
Well-established credentials held by thousands of tax preparers
and accountants that:
• demonstrate competency & mastery of tax
procedures and practices, and
• provide a strong assurance of quality tax
preparation and accounting services to taxpayers
who hire them.

4. Who are ACAT Credential Holders?
ACAT credential holders have the expertise and qualifications to
provide sound and accurate taxation and accounting advice to
individuals and to small-medium size businesses.
To earn an ACAT credential, candidates must:
•pass rigorous examinations,
•have at least three to five years practical work experience,
•commit to ongoing professional education,
•adhere to a Code of Ethics, and
•demonstrate a high level of experience in preparing tax
returns and accounting.

5. Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)
Look for an ATP for your personal returns
You want your tax preparer to be up-to-date with tax law
and education.
ATPs have a thorough knowledge of tax code and the
preparation of individual tax returns.
Their expertise covers comprehensive 1040 issues
(including supporting schedules, self-employed returns,
etc.), tax planning, and more.

6. Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA)
Look for an ATA for your individual and business returns
If you have a more complicated return, your tax preparer should
have a comprehensive understanding of tax law and expertise in tax
planning.
ATAs handle sophisticated tax planning issues, including planning
for owners of closely held businesses, planning for the highly
compensated, choosing qualified retirement plans and performing
estate tax planning.
Their expertise covers tax returns for individuals, business entities,
fiduciaries, trusts and estates, as well as tax planning, and tax
consulting.

7. Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA)
Need an accountant? Look for an ABA for your tax & accounting
needs. ABAs specialize in accounting & tax services for individuals
and small- to medium-size businesses.
ABAs are accounting and tax professionals who have a
thorough, tested knowledge and technical proficiency in
financial accounting, financial reporting, financial
statement preparation, taxation, managerial accounting,
business consulting services, and business law.

8. Accredited Retirement Advisor (ARA)
Look for an ARA when you need a tax preparer or accountant
who also specializes in retirement planning and the financial
needs of seniors.
The Accredited Retirement Advisor is the only national
credential exclusively for tax and accounting professionals
that meets the needs of this market.
ARAs have expertise in preparing clients for retirement;
financial aspects of aging; estate and trust planning; choosing
retirement plans; financial planning and government
assistance programs.

9. About ACAT
ACAT is a non-profit, independent, testing, accrediting and
monitoring organization. It takes real-life experience and subject
mastery to pass any ACAT exam.
Since 1973 the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation®
has accredited professionals who have demonstrated knowledge of
the principles, practices, and ethical standards of accounting,
taxation, and related financial services in order to maintain the
highest level of service to the public.
Professionals receive ACAT accreditation through examination and
maintain accreditation by committing to continuing professional
education and adhering to the ACAT Code of Ethics and Rules of
Professional Conduct.

10. About ACAT
ACAT is a non-profit, independent, testing, accrediting and
monitoring organization. It takes real-life experience and subject
mastery to pass any ACAT exam.
Since 1973 the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation®
has accredited professionals who have demonstrated knowledge of
the principles, practices, and ethical standards of accounting,
taxation, and related financial services in order to maintain the
highest level of service to the public.
Professionals receive ACAT accreditation through examination and
maintain accreditation by committing to continuing professional
education and adhering to the ACAT Code of Ethics and Rules of
Professional Conduct.