Get Ready for the RTRP

My office recently talked to an amazing 93 year old in California who I will call Mrs. C. Like many of you, she was less than thrilled, and more than a little anxious, that we had asked her to pass a test to show her competence in taxes. But Mrs. C was up for the challenge. She took a continuing education course to brush up on her test taking skills. In June, she passed the Registered Tax Return Preparer test on her first try.
“Never for a minute did I think of quitting,” she said. “Defeat is not in my vocabulary.” Clearly by her actions, neither is procrastination.
Mrs. C serves as an inspiration to me, and I hope to you. I am asking that you follow her example and schedule your Registered Tax Return Preparer test today.
Here’s what you need to do:
Schedule your test through your online PTIN account at irs.gov/ptin. Log-in and select “View Next Steps and Outstanding Requirements.”
Study for the test using the resources at irs.gov/taxpros/tests. Select Registered Tax Return Preparer test to review a pre-test check list and study materials. Need a test prep course? You can qualify for CE credit if you use an IRS-approved CE provider.
Pass the test and make sure you are current with your individual and business tax obligations. As soon as you pass the tax check, you will receive your RTRP certificate.
Recently, a tax preparer named Ken, who also was initially apprehensive about the test, wrote to me and said, “… I can honestly say that I am much more knowledgeable now than I was several months ago. Studying for this test was of immense value to me.”
Whether you have a small client base or a large one or whether you work for yourself or a large chain, we all have an interest in improving ourselves and the services provided to the nation’s taxpayers.
You must take the Registered Tax Return Preparer test by December 31, 2013. But, please, do not wait. Act now to schedule a location, date and time that is convenient for you. Learn more at IRS.gov.