IRS AWARDS CONTRACT FOR RETURN PREPARER TESTING AND FOR FINGERPRINTING

The IRS has selected Prometric, Inc. as the vendor to administer a new competency examination and fingerprinting program for paid tax return preparers. Prometric, Inc. currently administers the Special Enrollment Examination for Enrolled Agents. The IRS also has selected Daon Trusted Identity Services, a Reston, Virginia company, as a vendor to offer fingerprinting services. The testing and background checks are two components of the next phase of increased IRS oversight of federal tax return preparers, as outlined in its Return Preparer Review issued in January 2010.

The testing vendor will administer the testing program. In formulating the tests, Prometric will conduct a job analysis using information gained from IRS staff members and the tax preparer community to develop the material the test will cover. The IRS will have final approval of all test questions. Once a test plan is approved, the IRS will publicly release the test specifications to assist preparers in studying for the exam.

The fingerprinting vendor will assist the IRS in evaluating the background and suitability of certain PTIN applicants, but the IRS will make all determinations regarding suitability issues.