FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

On Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, the United States District Court for the District of Columbia enjoined the Internal Revenue Service from enforcing the regulatory requirements for registered tax return preparers. In accordance with this order, tax return preparers covered by this program are not required to complete competency testing or secure continuing education. The ruling does not affect the regulatory practice requirements for CPAs, attorneys, enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents or enrolled actuaries.

On Friday, Feb. 1, the court modified its order to clarify that the order does not affect the requirement for all paid tax return preparers to obtain a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). Consistent with this modification, the IRS has reopened the online PTIN system.

The IRS continues to have confidence in the scope of its authority to administer this program and is working with the Department of Justice to address all options, including a planned appeal.

IRS 15 HR Continuing Education FAQ’s

Q. When do I have to complete the 15 HRS of Continuing Education (CE)?
A. Preparers have until December 30 of the calendar year to complete their annual 15 HR Continuing Education requirement.

Q. How can I earn my 15 HRS of CE Credit?
A. You must complete a course from an IRS Approved Education Provider. Upon completion the Education provider will issue you a certificate of completion and notify the IRS that you have met this requirement. You will then be eligible to renew your PTIN

Q. Are you an IRS Approved Education Provider?
A. Yes. Our IRS Provider Number is RP5CH.  We are 101 Education Services Inc., but do business as IRSTaxTraining.com.  You can click here to find us on the Approved Provider List.

Q. What do the 15 HRS of Continuing Education consist of?
A. The IRS requires that the 15 HRS are divided as follows: 3 HRS Federal Tax Law Updates, 2 HRS Ethics, and 10 HRS of Federal Tax Law.

Q. How does your Course work?
A. We offer a self-study correspondence Course whereby the materials are sent to you and you review them at your own pace. You must score 70% or higher on an open book exam to earn your 15 HRS of CPE.

Q. What are the 15 HR CE Course Options?
A. Option #1 is the Internet Special in which case you download the materials electronically as a PDF and take the exam online. This Option costs $79.95. You can also have a printed Course book mailed to you but your exam still be done online. This Option costs $129.95.

Q. How does the online examination work?
A. You log in using your e-mail and password and click on the link to take your exam. Your answers are automatically saved and there is no time limit so you can come and go as you please. When you finish your exam you will be asked to fill out a survey and then you can submit it. Upon meeting the IRS passing requirement of 70% or higher we will issue you a certificate of completion via e-mail. Then we will notify the IRS that you completed your annual 15 HR CE requirement and you be eligible to renew your PTIN with IRS once the renewal season starts.  If you ordered a printed text book you hav ethe option of filling out thge answer sheet and mailing it to us for garding.

Q. When can I renew my PTIN license?
A. The IRS PTIN renewal cycle starts in October of each year. You can renew online at www.irs.gov using your PTIN account and the cost is anticipated to be $63.

Q. Do I need to my certificates of completion to the IRS?
A. No. Any programs you've taken from an IRS-approved CE Provider will be reported to the IRS by the Provider. At some point in the future, you will be able to view your completed CE credits through your online PTIN account.

Q. What if I do not pass my examination?
A. If you do not meet the IRS passing requirement of 70%, we will notify you and ask you to please take the examination again

Q. Do I have to pay again if I fail the online examination?
A. No. You are allowed to re-take the exam a second time at no additional charge. If you require a third attempt to passing the exam you will be charged $35.

Q. Will I know my score?
A. Yes. Included in your Course is a complimentary Grading Report that details which questions you missed and the correct answers. You will be e-mailed this report with your certificate

Q. What is your return policy?
A. We offer 100% money back guarantee for any reason prior to the completion of your exam. If you ordered printed materials, we DO NOT refund shipping & handling charges.

Q. How to I set up my account with IRS TaxTraining.com?
A. You can go to our homepage and hit the create member button. Or you can add products to your shopping cart and when you click on the check out button you will be asked to fill out your profile and billing information. Finally, you can call us using the Live Chat button above we can manually set up your account and process your order for you over the phone.

Q. What if I already have an account with IRS TaxTraining.com?
A. You can log in using you re-mail address and password to either purchase your materials or to access them or both.

Q. What if I forget my password for my account?
A. You can click on the “Forgot password” link just below the login area of our homepage and using your e-mail address it will be sent to you.

Q. What are my payment options?
A. We accept all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & American Express) as well as check or money order.