ACAT Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) Accreditation Exam Extended Through December 31
Allows tax professionals to earn the ATP in time for the 2016 filing season and the IRS voluntary Annual Filing Season Program
Registration for and testing through the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation® (ACAT) to obtain the Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) credential has been extended one month through December 31, 2015. The previous window for testing was scheduled to end on November 30.
The opportunity to earn the ATP credential is important because ATPs automatically qualify for the IRS Annual Filing Season Program Record of Completion and are exempt from taking the Annual Federal Tax Refresher (AFTR) course and exam that is part of the new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) voluntary Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP).
Beginning January 1, 2016, rules about who may represent clients before the IRS will change. ATPs who are Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) Record of Completion Holders will have limited representation rights, meaning they can represent clients whose returns they prepare and sign, before examination, customer service representatives and the Taxpayer Advocate Service.
Tax return preparers who are not CPAs, EAs, attorneys or do not participate in the Annual Filing Season Program will not be permitted to represent any clients before the IRS for tax returns and claims for refund prepared and signed after December 31, 2015.
ATPs participating in the Annual Filing Season Program will also be included in the 2016 IRS Online Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.
Achieving ACAT accreditation provides a distinction that sets accounting and tax professionals apart and open doors for practice development and
career advancement. Earning ACAT credentials provides evidence to clients that accounting and tax professionals have achieved a high level of knowledge and skills and abilities needed to effectively serve their clients.
The ATP exam can be taken until December 31, 2015 at PSI test sites across the United States. The ATP exam fee is $200 plus a $50 registration fee.
ATP candidates must pass the exams and meet experience requirements to earn the credential. A blueprint for the exam with more information on topic areas is available at www.acatcredentials.org.
For more information about ACAT credentials and to register, visit www.acatcredentials.org or call 888-289-7763.
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The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) is an independent accrediting and monitoring organization affiliated with the National Society of Accountants. ACAT accredits professionals in independent practice who have demonstrated measurable knowledge of the principles, practices, and ethical standards of accounting, taxation, information technology and related financial services. For more information, visit www.acatcredentials.org.
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