By: David Marrison & Chris Bruynis, OSU Extension Educators
OSU Extension and the OSU Income Tax School Program is pleased to be offering assistance for individuals who are preparing to take the new Registered Tax Return Preparer (RTRP) competency test in 2012. In 2011, the Internal Revenue System began the roll-in of new requirements for individuals who prepare tax returns.
Beginning January 1, 2011, all paid preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Existing PTIN holders must pass a competency exam by the end of 2013. Attorneys, Certified Public Accounts and Enrolled Agents are exempt from the testing requirement. In addition to a competency exam, IRS Registered Tax Return Preparers will be required to take continuing education in the future.
The OSU Income Tax School program will be offering two educational options to help tax preparers prepare for these tests. The first available option is a study at home option. Through a partnership with Fast Forward Academy, participants can study at home and access an on-line test bank of questions. The cost of the at home materials is $99 for the study guide and access to a 200 question test bank or $179 for the study guide and access to a 700 question test bank and unlimited practice exams.
The second option is to attend one of four one-day preparatory workshops across Ohio in June. These workshops will be held in Xenia, Burton, Powell, and Bowling Green. Learn from our great OSU and IRS Instructors at these workshops and get the study materials and on-line test bank as a bonus. The workshops are approved by the IRS Return Preparer Office for 8 hours of CE credit in the category of “RTRP Test Preparation. Lunch, program handouts, FastForward Study Guide, on-line test bank, and refreshments are included.
Registration must be completed (postmarked or via web) by midnight, May 25. There is an additional $20 late registration fee. There are two registrations for the workshop. The first option is $199 which includes the day long preparatory workshop, study guide and access to the 200 question test bank. The second option is $279 which includes the day long preparatory workshop, study guide, access to a 700 question test bank and unlimited practice exams.
Registration is available via credit card on-line or by check via mail-in registration. More information about both of these options can be found at the following web site: http://aede.osu.edu/programs-and-research/income-tax-schools/RTRP
More details about the workshop can be obtained by contacting David Marrison at marrison.2@osu.edu or 440-576-9008.