Renewing a tax certification may seem daunting, specifically with each state requiring different licensing requirements for pre-licensing education, examinations, and continuing education requirements, while some have none. But, tax certifications as is with building inspector licenses are essential in being able to legally continue in your chosen profession.
Tax certification is vital to ensure that you are able to legally perform your duties as a tax consultant in the United States.
For tax consultants to legally prepare a tax return for compensation, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires tax consultants to hold a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
One of the requirements for a PTIN is to complete continuing education from an IRS approved CE provider by the end of the calendar year. The other is to consent to adhere to practise obligations as per the Circular 230, Section 10.51.
The IRS strongly advises that taxpayers request the PTIN number from their tax preparer and enter it into the return filed with the IRS. They also advise that while there are credible tax preparers that are not in the IRSs’ directory, that taxpayers choose the practitioner wisely by enquiring about their education and training.
Choosing The Correct CPE Course
IRS Tax CPE
Continuing professional education (CPE) courses for tax certification keep tax professionals up to date on legislative and regulatory changes in tax law. CPE courses cover topics from individual and business taxation to partnership, state and local taxation. They also include mandatory hours on ethics in taxation.
In order to maintain status as an IRS Enrolled Agent licensees are required to complete 72 hours of continuing education requirements.
Enrolled Agent CPE
Enrolled Agents (EA) are licensed by the IRS to represent taxpayers before the IRS. They are required to either pass a three-part comprehensive IRS test that covers individual or business returns or have experience working at the IRS. To continue practicing as an EA must continue with 72 hours of CPE courses to be completed every three years. The minimum amount of time to be spent on a CPE course is 16 hours per year.
AFSP CPE
Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) recognizes tax preparers who are not certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys or enrolled agents. EA’s hold unlimited practice rights before the IRS, which allows them to represent any type of tax payer be they individual, business or an organization as well as file forms, returns and defend clients in audits. They are also permitted to deal with any federal tax issue.
The IRS requires AFSP participants to complete 15 hours of CPE every year. The course includes federal tax law topics, tax law updates, and ethics.
Benefit from RocketCert’s online platform
Becoming a tax professional has never been easier with RocketCert’s unique online platform. It offers access to your courses, a view of your upcoming renewals, and allows you to explore new ways to accelerate and advance your career from any device. RockertCert’s commitment to you goes beyond passing the exam.
They’ve got professionals standing by to answer all of your licensing and renewal questions. Get step-by-step guidance on what to do next, and help every step of the way.
For more information on the course for renewing tax certifications visit www.rockertcert.com
