RTRP EXAM

The IRS Return Preparer Office has issued a reminder on its Facebook page regarding using the RTRP credential in solicitation and advertising.

“You are not a Registered Tax Return Preparer until you have that certificate in hand,” the reminder begins. “Once you are a Registered Tax Return Preparer, Notice 2011-45 provides certain restrictions regarding paid advertising in print, TV or radio media. Paid advertising in that media must include this sentence: ‘The IRS does not endorse any particular individual tax return preparer. For more information on tax return preparers go to IRS.gov.’ ”

The RPO adds that Circular 230 sets out guidance for all return preparers on solicitation and advertising. “It states, in part: ‘Enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents or registered tax return preparers, in describing their professional designation, may not utilize the term ‘certified’ or imply an employer/employee relationship with the Internal Revenue Service.’”

The warning comes as many preparers are gearing up their advertising for the tax season, and as many preparers have expressed confusion about where and how to promote their designations