Competency Exam for Registered Tax Return Preparers

In a July 2011 comment letter, CFP Board responded to an IRS request for comments concerning the content and administration of the competency examination for registered tax return preparers, sharing guidance from CFP Board's long history of developing successful competency examinations and enforcement mechanisms for the CFP^® certification. CFP Board also raised concerns about an exemption from the competency testing and continuing education requirements the IRS has provided to individuals who prepare all or substantially all of a tax return under the supervision of an attorney, CPA or enrolled agent. CFP Board noted that exemptions for non-professionals who have not demonstrated the necessary competency to prepare tax returns appear inconsistent with the IRS's reluctance to exempt CFP^® professionals, whose professional standards meet or exceed those held by attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents.

Read CFP Board’s letter (PDF, 108KB)