Accredited Tax Advisor® (ATA)

For practitioners who handle sophisticated tax planning issues, including ownership of closely held businesses, qualified retirement plans and complex estates.

ATA Accreditation

This credential is for practitioners who handle sophisticated tax planning issues. Issues such as ownership of closely held businesses, qualified retirement plans and complex estates. You must have five years of experience in tax preparation, compliance, tax planning and consulting, of which 40% must be in tax planning and consulting. A tax-season (January through April) is considered one year. Application fees are fully refundable if your application is not approved

Tax professionals who are (1) Enrolled Agents, (2) Certified Public Accountants, (3) licensed accountants, (4) attorneys or (5) hold a graduate degree (Master's degree or above) in taxation – are prequalified for the ATA designation. Applicant must also meet the five (5) years of work experience in tax preparation, compliance, tax planning and consulting, of which 40% must be in tax planning and consulting. A tax-season (January through April) is considered one year. Registration fee is $300; Full refund is issued if application is not approved.

ACAT is currently developing a 200-question test for use in identifying professional qualified to be received the Accredited Tax Advisor credential. Estimated completion date is January 2009.