Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)

  • ATPs Waived into NEW IRS VOLUNTAry Program!

Accredited Tax Preparers (ATP)  are exempt from taking the Annual Federal Tax Refresher course and exam and qualify for the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Record of Completion!

Register for the ATP exam this fall and be included in the IRS Directory this tax season!
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The ATP is a leading national credential for tax practitioners who have a thorough knowledge of the existing tax code and the preparation of individual tax returns with an expertise in comprehensive 1040 issues including supporting schedules, self-employed returns, and ethics. 

How do I become ATP accredited & what are the requirements?

To become an Accredited Tax Preparer®, you must pass the ATP examination which is offered twice a year at testing centers around the country. In addition, you must have three years of work experience in tax preparation, two of which may be satisfied through college credit. One year experience is considered a tax-season (January through April).




About the ATP Exam

  • The ATP examination is a three and a half hour, 100 multiple-choice question exam. Questions on the ATP exam follow a Job Practice Analysis that studies what tax preparers do, how often they perform each task and how important they perceive the task to be. You must score 70% or better to earn the credential.  Below is an outline of the exam topics.  

    Additional information: 

    ATP Exam Study Materials:  ATP Prep Course
    For a list of specific sub categories, review the ATP exam blueprint
    For more information on the ATP credential, review the ACAT Candidate Handbook