The IRS 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.
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Representations & Examinations
Preparer Mandatory E-File Guidance Proposed
The IRS issued proposed guidance on how return preparers may meet their new electronic filing requirement for individual and fiduciary income tax returns starting January 1, 2011.
IRS Provides PTIN Guidance for Preparers Without a Social Security Number
The IRS has provided a process for individuals without a Social Security number to obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
IRS Commissioner Predicts Relief From Testing and Continuing Education for CPA-Supervised Nonsigning Preparers
The IRS will likely provide relief from testing and continuing education requirements for nonsigning tax preparers working under the supervision of a CPA or other federally authorized tax practitioner, such as an attorney or enrolled agent, in a CPA or other professional firm, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said October 26.
AICPA VP Testifies on Changes Needed to IRS Return Preparer Regulation Plan
Edward Karl, the AICPA’s Vice President–Taxation, testified at an IRS hearing about proposed amendments to Circular 230 that would put into place many of the parts of the IRS’ plan to register and regulate tax return preparers.
IRS Moves Forward with Preparer Registration Plan
On August 19, the IRS issued proposed regulations that would put into place many of the parts of its plan to register and regulate tax return preparers. This item reviews those proposed regulations and their possible impact on tax professionals.
Tax Return Due Diligence: Basic Considerations
This article examines the rules of due diligence and the importance of tax professionals understanding these rules and proactively adapting to them in a practical manner.
IRS Activates New PTIN System
The IRS deployed a new preparer tax identification number (PTIN) registration system September 28 as a component of its initiative to register and regulate paid tax return preparers.
IRS Proposes PTIN Fees
The IRS proposed to begin charging all authorized tax preparers a $50 user fee to obtain or renew annually a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
IRS Announces Phase-in of Mandatory E-Filing
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act mandates e-filing by almost all return preparers; it requires any return preparer who files more than 10 individual income tax returns per year to e-file those returns, starting in 2011.
IRS Preparer Registration Plan Moves Forward
The IRS issued proposed regulations that would put into place many of the parts of its plan to register and regulate tax return preparers.
PTIN Fees Proposed by IRS
The IRS proposed to begin charging all authorized tax preparers a $50 user fee to obtain or renew annually a preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
AICPA Comments on IRS PTIN Proposal
On April 26, the AICPA submitted comments to the IRS on its proposed regulations (REG-134235-08) that would require tax return preparers, including nonsigning preparers, to apply for or renew a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) and exclusively use that PTIN when signing tax returns.
IRS Issues Prop. Regs. on Use of PTINs After 2010
Tthe IRS issued proposed regulations that would require paid return preparers to use a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) on all tax returns after December 31, 2010.
IRS Proposes New Tax Return Preparer Standards
The IRS released a list of recommendations calling for the registration, testing, and continuing education of currently unregulated tax return preparers.
AICPA Positions on Recent IRS Proposals
The AICPA’s Tax Division has prepared summaries of AICPA efforts regarding recent IRS proposals on return preparer registration and uncertain tax positions.
IRS Announces Mandatory Registration,Testing, and CPE for Return Preparers
The IRS announced plans to require all return preparers to register with the IRS and to require unenrolled preparers to pass a competency exam and meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements.
IRS Issues Regs. and Guidance on Disclosure of Tax Return Information
The IRS has issued regulations under Sec. 7216 that increase the circumstances in which tax return preparers can disclose or use certain limited tax return information and two revenue rulings that provide guidance to tax return preparers on situations in which they will not be liable for civil or criminal penalties under Sec. 7216 for disclosing or using tax return information.
Homebuyer Credit, NOL Carrybacks Extended; Mandatory E-Filing Enacted
The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 contains a handful of tax provisions. These include changes to the first-time homebuyers’ credit, increased NOL carrybacks for small businesses, and mandatory e-filing for most tax return preparers.
Tax Practitioners Face Increasing Regulation
Congress and the IRS have been focusing on regulating tax and financial services. Although the problems that are being addressed were not caused by CPAs, practitioners may be swept up in the solution.
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.
