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Accredited Tax Preparer® (ATP)
This credential is for practitioners who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the existing tax code and the preparation of individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns. You must have three years of work experience in tax preparation. A tax-season (January through April) is considered one year. Beyond that, there are four ways to earn your ATP credential. Application fees are fully refundable if your application is not approved. Scroll to the bottom of this page to see how to maintain your credential.
Four Ways to Earn Your ATP
ATP Examination
The three-hour examination (which is a subset of the ABA exam, but scored separately from the ABA exam) consists of 58 multiple-choice questions which test your proficiency in ethics and taxation. Test sites are open to take the examination for three weeks in May and early June and three weeks in late November and December. The required score is 70%.
Application fee for practitioners: $150 for ATP exam alone or $275 combined with ABA exam. The application fee for students is $150 for the ATP exam alone or $225 combined with the ABA exam. The retake fee is $50. For more detailed exam information,
click
here.
OR
60-Hour Qualifying Education Registration
If you can demonstrate the successful completion of at least 60 hours of qualifying education (CPEs) in tax preparation and/or planning, you may be eligible for this credential. Qualifying education is determined by the ACAT Board of Directors. Submit the ACAT 60-Hour Qualifying Education Application, with the $150 application fee.
OR
CTEC-Registered Tax Preparer Registration
CTEC Registrants are pre-qualified for this credential. Submit the CTEC Application Form, with the $150 application fee.
OR
Existing Eligible Credential Registration
Enrolled Agents, Certified Public Accountants, state licensed accountants, attorneys, current ATA credential holders and persons with a graduate degree (Master's degree or higher) in taxation are pre-qualified for this credential. Submit the ACAT Existing Eligible Credential Application, with the $150 application fee.
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