West passes IRS test

PARIS — The income tax office of Barbara W. West, EA would like to congratulate Kenneth A. West in successfully passing the IRS Registered Tax Return Preparer Test (RTRP).

The IRS regulations require all paid tax preparers to register each year and to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Most non-legacy Circular 230 preparers must pass a basic competency test. Those who meet all of these requirements will hold a new designation: registered tax return preparer. Those who rate EsA, CPAs and attorneys are not required to take the basic competency test as they have already proven their competency in income tax preparation.

The IRS is creating a publicly searchable database that will allow taxpayers to see if their tax preparer meets IRS standards. The database will be available after filing season.

Unlicensed tax preparers will have until December 31, 2013 to pass this test.