The Progressive Accountant - Tax
NSA Opposes CPA Exemptions E-mail
Written by The Progressive Accountant   
Tuesday, 07 September 2010 13:01

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John AmsALEXANDRIA. Va.- The National Society of Accountants is opposing a possible  exemption of CPA firm staff members from proposed Internal Revenue Service rules that would require Preparer Tax Identification Numbers for all professionals involved in preparing tax returns. In a prepared statement, NSA EVP John Ams said that the IRS proposals had been the result of work by organizations that produced what was felt to be a fair and equitable registration process.

"Now, at the 11th hour, just before the registration process is scheduled to begin, some - including the American Institute of CPAs - are demanding that staff members of ‘CPA firms' be exempted from the registration requirements. This flies in the face of why this registration program was set up," Ams said. "The point of the new regulations is to ensure that all tax preparers are accountable for their work in preparing returns, and that should include anyone who paid to prepare all or substantially all of a return, no matter where they may work."

Ams said there shouldn't be a loophole for registration and testing, required of other paid preparers, for CPAs and firm members. He noted since the testing requirements would be faced in over a few years, he saw no reason for a delay.

Another problem, Ams said, is that the definition of CPA firm varies among the states and noted an ongoing discussion among boards of accountancy about the use of fictitious names by businesses owned and operated by CPAs.

Ams' statement continued, "For example, we are aware that an individual who is a CPA owns and operates more than forty H&R Block franchises. Would any or all of these separate offices be considered a ‘CPA firm' for this purpose? Would this be considered one firm?"

 

 


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Comments (4)
Good for the goose and gander as well.
4 Wednesday, 08 September 2010 22:52
Cary Johnson
There are way too many unqualified people preparing tax returns. Many of these people are doing so under another persons signature. Unfortunately integrity has taken a back seat to money all over the world as a result of the awful disease called narcissism. The point being, everyone employed no matter their degree or work experience, or even their license should be made to prove their ability to provide services that preclude continuous education of tax law changes before being allowed to practice. There is a lot of difference between a data input person such as those hired by the two biggies and a dedicated enrolled agent that backs their work at an IRS audit. I suppose next we should let nurses perform brain surgery?
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Good for the goose and gander as well.
3 Wednesday, 08 September 2010 22:07
Cary Johnson
There are way too many unqualified people preparing tax returns. Many of these people are doing so under another persons signature. Unfortunately integrity has taken a back seat to money all over the world as a result of the awful disease called narcissism. The point being, everyone employed no matter their degree or work experience, or even their license should be made to prove their ability to provide services that preclude continuous education of tax law changes before being allowed to practice. There is a lot of difference between a data input person such as those hired by the two biggies and a dedicated enrolled agent that backs their work at an IRS audit. I suppose next we should let nurses perform brain surgery?
Reply
CPA not required to register
2 Wednesday, 08 September 2010 16:55
Billy D. Reagan, CPA
If you are saying the CPA should register and test AND PAY FEE, this in itself is a 'slap in the face' for all the controls and bureaucracy that already establishes the CPA professionals as creditable. It is NOT a double standard to omit the CPA in this requirement. Registration is already done if a CPA has been issued his EFIN and PTIN as a CPA. When will it stop!!!!!! I gave up my CPA practice and exited the accounting reporting only to practice in Tax, now more FEES for bureaucracy to advance. WE (CPA) HAVE ENOUGH CONTROLS AND CPE REQUIREMENTS. Billy D. REAGAN, CPA
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Staff PTINS
1 Wednesday, 08 September 2010 16:17
Deb
I believe the reason the CPA firms have a problem with staff members having to obtain a PTIN is that they would not be signing the returns as a paid preparer.
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