PTIN Updates

 

Return Preparer Testing Update

The Internal Revenue Service today released the specifications for the competency test individuals must pass to become a Registered Tax Return Preparer.

The specifications identify the major topics that will be covered by the test, which will be available starting this fall. Although individuals who already have a provisional preparer tax identification number (PTIN) from the IRS do not have to pass the exam until Dec. 31, 2013, they may take the exam at any time once it is available. The test will have approximately 120 questions in a combination of multiple choice and true or false format. Questions will be weighted and individuals will receive a pass or fail score, with diagnostic feedback provided to those who fail. Test vendor Prometric Inc. worked with the IRS and the tax preparer community to develop the test. The time limit for the test is expected to be between two and three hours. The test must be taken at one of the roughly 260 Prometric facilities nationwide.

The IRS will notify those preparers who have a testing requirement and provide more details. Once the test is available, preparers who have on-line accounts at www.irs.gov can use their accounts to schedule a test time and select a Prometric site. You can find updated information on competency testing on the Tax Professionals page of IRS.gov.

For all the up-to-date information, please go to PTIN updates  at: 

Education

 

Resources

• WAA Auto Log Order Form
• 2011 Annual Membership Meeting Reports
• State and Federal Contacts
• Related Websites
• Legislative News
• National Society of Accountants (NSA)
• IRS Updates
• WAA Newsletter
• Chapter Officer Information
• Insurance - Forrest T. Jones
• DSHS - New Hire Reporting 

Chapters

The Washington Association of Accountants has four local chapters which plug you into a local network of accounting professionals who are at the ready to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and provide the peer-to-peer access which makes solutions more accessible.

The chapters provide monthly continuing professional education and a variety of activities throughout the year. Our chapters divide the state into four geographic regions:

• Greater Seattle Chapter - Includes Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Woodinville, Bothell and Lynnwood
• Northwest Chapter - Includes Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, Everett, Anacortes and Whidbey Island
• Puget Sound / Tacoma Chapter - Includes Tacoma, Kent, Puyallup and Olympia
• Spokane Chapter - Includes Spokane, Spokane Valley, Tri-cities, and Eastern Washington