IRS Newswire: First Registered Tax Return Preparer Certificates

The IRS has announced that it has begun to provide test results to tax return preparers who have taken the new return preparer competency test.

The competency test to get your new designation, Registered Tax Return Preparer, is a 120 question test which has a perfect score of 500. Preparers must score a 350 or higher to receive a passing grade.  Basically, they must get 70% or higher to pass.

Those who have already taken the test have been sent a letter from the IRS informing them whether they passed or failed. Preparers who pass the test must still pass a tax compliance check which is generally given a few weeks after the test score is issued.  Those passing both the test and the compliance check will then be issued their Registered Tax Return Preparer certificate.  Only people receiving the certificate can call themselves a Registered Tax Return Preparer.

The test can be taken at over 260 locations, and the test fee is $116.

Joseph Rogers

Recent Posts

Why is Tax Software So Expensive?

Professional tax software costs range from lower cost, a few hundred dollars, to very high…

6 days ago

When Will Tax Season Start in 2026?

Tax season for tax filing year 2025 is rumored to be starting late this year.…

3 weeks ago

How to Prepare for 2026 Tax Season

Preparing for the incoming tax season doesn't have to be time consuming. Here is a…

4 weeks ago

Important Phone Numbers for 2026 Tax Season

Identity Theft Protection Unit: 800-908-4490 Refund Offset Questions: 800-304-3107 IRS Refund Hotline: 1-800-829-1954 ITIN Line:…

4 weeks ago

Prepaid Debit Cards for Tax Refunds

If you own a tax business, you may have encountered taxpayers who have no bank…

1 month ago

Helping Clients Navigate the “Gig Economy”

             In our current economy, finding a standard 9-5 job…

3 months ago

This website uses cookies.