Becoming a Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP)

Step 1

PTIN Registration

The first step in becoming a Registered Tax Return Preparer will be registering for your Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) . PTIN Registration is now required by the IRS for all paid tax return prepares. In addition, prepares must renew their PTIN annually by December 31.

There are four steps to PTIN Registration:

1. Create Your Account — First, you must create an account by providing your name, email address and security question information. The system will then email your temporary password, which you will change when you go back to enter your information in the PTIN application.
2. Apply for Your PTIN — You will complete the online application by providing personal information, information about your previous year’s tax return, professional credentials, and more.
3. Pay Your Fee — The application will transfer you to our partner bank where you will make your payment by credit card or direct debit.
4. Get Your PTIN — After the bank confirms your payment, your PTIN is provided online. You will receive a welcome letter providing additional guidance.

What you’ll need:

• Social Security Number
• Personal information (name, mailing address, date of birth)
• Business information (name, mailing address, telephone number)
• Previous year’s individual tax return (name, address, filing status) Tax return information is required to authenticate your identity. If you filed your tax return in the past 8 weeks, please use a previous year’s individual tax return.
• Explanations for felony convictions (if any) Felony convictions and discrepancies with your federal tax obligations may affect your ability to obtain a PTIN
• Explanations for problems with your U.S. individual or business tax obligations (if any) Felony convictions and discrepancies with your federal tax obligations may affect your ability to obtain a PTIN
• Credit or debit card for the $64.25 PTIN user fee
• If applicable, your supervisor’s PTIN
• If applicable, any U.S.-based professional certification information (CPA, attorney, enrolled agent, enrolled retirement plan agent, enrolled actuary, certified acceptance agent, or state license) including certification number, jurisdiction of issuance, and expiration date

Register for Your PTIN Now

   

Step 2

Registering for the Registered Tax Return Preparer Exam (RTRP Exam)

After successfully Registering for your PTIN the next step will be registering the Registered Tax Return Preparer Exam (RTRP Exam). Starting Monday, November 28, 2011, tax return preparers will be able to schedule a test appointment to take the new RTRP Exam through their online PTIN account. A $116 registration fee will be required at the time of registration.

Preparers who do not have an online PTIN account can make test appointments by phone at (855) 477-3926. A $116 registration fee will be required at the time of registration.

 

Helpful Resources

Taking the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer Test at Prometric (Video)
Test Specifications
Test Explained
Test Requirments

Register For the RTRP Exam Now

   

Step 3

Preparing for the Registered Tax Return Preparer Exam (RTRP Exam)

Now that you’ve registered for the Registered Tax Return Preparer Exam (RTRP Exam), it’s time to begin preparing to pass. The Registered Tax Return Preparer Exam (RTRP Exam) has proven to be more difficult then many industry experts were initially expecting and a quality RTRP exam preparation method is a must. Find out more

 

 

 

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