How will the new regulations affect registered or licensed public accountants? Would they have to test?
In many states, a registered or licensed public accountant (LPA) has the same rights and privileges as a certified public accountant. Thus, an LPA in those states is eligible to practice before the IRS by virtue of their public accountant’s license and these individuals will not be required to pass the IRS’ return preparer examination or satisfy the CPE requirements for tax return preparers. The following is a non-exclusive list of states where a LPA has the same rights and privileges as a CPA: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado (Registered Public Accountants only), Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and West Virginia. LPAs in the following states do not have the same rights and privileges as a certified public accountant and, therefore, will be required to pass the IRS’ return preparer examination and satisfy the CPE requirements for ta
