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. One year is considered a tax-season (January through April). Beyond that, there are five ways to earn your ATP credential.

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.

ACAT is currently developing a 100-question test to gauge who meets the expectation of this credentials. Estimated completion time is January 2009.