The IRS on October 20 announced that it has opened its preparer tax identification number (PTIN) registration system to accept renewals for the 2012 filing season
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TOPICS / PROCEDURE
Representations & Examinations
Trade Bills Pass Congress with Tax Provisions
The EITC due diligence penalty will increase to $500 under a bill passed by Congress Oct. 12.
Practitioners Raise Concerns About Fingerprinting Proposal at IRS Hearing
The IRS heard a consistent chorus at an October 7 hearing on proposed fees for fingerprinting of registered tax return preparers and nonsigning staff at CPA firms: The IRS’ proposal is duplicative, expensive, and can be done in a better way.
IRS Proposes Stiffer Preparer Requirements for EITCs
The IRS issued proposed regulations that would impose new requirements for tax return preparers and their firms for returns claiming the earned income tax credit (EITC), including submission of information regarding taxpayers’ eligibility to the IRS.
IRS PTIN Renewal Process Opens in October
Beginning in October 2011, the IRS PTIN database will be available for CPAs (and their employees) to obtain or renew their PTINs for the 2012 filing season.
IRS Issues Guidance on Fingerprinting, Other Registered Tax Return Preparer Details
The IRS provided more details September 22 of its still-developing requirements for all paid tax return preparers to be registered and undergo a background check, to include fingerprinting.
Final Regs. Governing Practice Before the IRS
Treasury issued final regulations governing practice before the IRS to increase taxpayer compliance and to ensure uniform and high ethical standards of conduct for all tax return preparers.
Final Circular 230 Regs. Implement Preparer Registration Rules
The IRS has issued final regulations implementing components of its initiative to register and regulate all paid tax return preparers.
Congressional Committee Checks In on Registered Tax Preparer Program
While tax professional communities offered diverging opinions of the registered tax return preparer (RTRP) program to a congressional subcommittee, all agreed on one thing—the IRS made a significant effort to listen.
Comments Sought on IRS Continuing Education Provider Standards and Process
The IRS on July 18 invited public comments on its process for approving continuing education providers and on the standards that should apply to such providers.
100,000 Preparers Did Not Comply with PTIN Rules
The IRS announced that it has identified approximately 100,000 tax return preparers who did not comply with the new rules for preparer tax identification numbers (PTINs), and it is sending them letters informing them of the problem.
AICPA Offers Guidance on Registered Preparer Competency Exam
In a July 7 letter to IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, the AICPA offered its perspective on the agency’s development of the registered tax return preparer examination.
IRS Finalizes Circular 230 Regulations
The IRS issued final regulations May 31 implementing components of its initiative to register and regulate all paid tax return preparers.
Regulation of Tax Return Preparers
To improve the oversight of tax preparation by paid tax preparers, the IRS has established a registration, examination, and continuing education regime for paid tax preparers. This article discusses the general requirements under the regime and the specific rules and exceptions to the rules for CPAs.
IRS Issues Final Regs and Guidance on Mandatory E-Filing Requirements
The IRS issued final regulations and several pieces of guidance relating to the requirement that return preparers e-file tax returns, starting this year.
CPA Supervised Nonsigning Preparers and Non-1040 Preparers Exempted from Return Preparer Rules
The IRS has released guidance on the implementation of new regulations governing tax return preparers and provided an exception to its return preparer regulation plan for nonsigning preparers supervised by a CPA, attorney, enrolled agent, or other Circular 230 practitioner.
IRS Targets 1040 Schedules, Procedures in Preparer Compliance Visits
In its current round of office visits involving tax preparer compliance, the IRS is targeting practitioners who prepare a high percentage of returns with certain Form 1040 schedules and is checking preparers’ procedures and recordkeeping.
IRS Gives Relief to Return Preparers with Pending PTIN Applications
Because some return preparers are having trouble with the IRS’ new online PTIN application, the IRS on January 24 announced that it is providing relief for preparers who make a good-faith effort to comply with the new PTIN requirement.
PTINs a Pain for Some CPAs
As the start of tax filing season looms, some CPA preparers are reporting difficulties meeting the new IRS requirement to register and obtain or renew a PTIN.
PTIN Application Process for Preparers Without a Social Security Number
The IRS provided a process for individuals without a Social Security number to obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
TAX PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
2025 tax software survey
AICPA members in tax practice assess how their return preparation software performed during tax season and offer insights into their procedures.
