California Tax Education Council (CTEC) Tax Preparer Alert, California Enrolled Agents On The Rise

Also read...
Changes Explained | FAQs | Exam Spec. | RTRP Videos | CPAs & PAs? | CFPs? | CTEC? | Important Dates

New federal regulations require CTEC tax professionals to register with the IRS, obtain a PTIN, pass a federal RTRP competency exam, and satisfy annual federal continuing education requirements. ALL of this is in addition to your state requirements so it's time to consider becoming a California enrolled agent!

In an effort to create competency and ethical standards for paid tax preparers, the IRS has established new rules for all preparers. Under the new requirements all preparers must register with the IRS and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). In addition, all preparers other than Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs not LPAs), and Tax Attorneys must pass a RTRP Competency Exam and satisfy annual Continuing Education requirements. For California and Oregon preparers, this is in addition to any existing state requirements. Create opportunity for your tax practice while satisfying IRS and CTEC requirements at the same time... become a California Enrolled Agent (EA)

Here's why you should become an IRS California Enrolled Agent (EA)

• Exempt from CTEC testing, continuing education, and bonding requirements.
• Exempt from the new IRS tax preparer competency exam
• Exempt from the new IRS tax preparer continuing education requirements
• Able to represent clients in any state before the IRS
• Add credibility and additional revenue to your practice

Bypass ALL these additional requirements and become a California EA. If the new IRS rules require you to take action, make your action COUNT!

Per CTEC, California law requires anyone who prepares tax returns for a fee and is not an attorney, certified public accountant (CPA) or enrolled agent (EA), must register as a tax preparer with CTEC. As of January 1, 2005, the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has the authority to identify and penalize unregistered tax preparers. If individuals not registered with CTEC are caught preparing tax returns illegally, FTB will issue a $2,500 penalty. If the individual fails to comply and register within 90 days, the penalty increases to $5,000.

Fast Forward Academy has several solutions to help you navigate the changes...

• Stay Informed
  • Sign up on the right to stay informed as we will publish new information as it becomes available from the IRS
• Get Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) Study Materials
  • Tax Course & RTRP Exam Study Guide + Practice Exams are available here today!
• Become an EA
  • Become an Enrolled Agent and bypass the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) competency exam and continuing profesional education requirements
• Get Free Continuing Profesional Education (CPE)
  • Sign up now for 2 FREE credit hours of continuing education

Also read...
Changes Explained | FAQs | Exam Spec. | RTRP Videos | CPAs & PAs? | CFPs? | CTEC? | Important Dates