IRS ACCEPTANCE AGENT APPLICATION MORATORIUM:

Beginning August 15, the IRS will impose a moratorium on the Acceptance Agent program. The moratorium will last until summer 2023 and, when lifted, a notification of rescission will be issued. The moratorium will allow for significant modernization efforts resulting in a more efficient application process. The overall timeframe to process properly submitted applications will change from months to weeks. While in place, Form 13551, Application to Participate in the IRS Acceptance Agent Program, will not be accepted. To prepare for the moratorium, new and existing CAAs and AAs should take the following actions, if needed:

• Existing or approved Acceptance Agents (AA) and Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAA): No action is needed for current approved agreements valid beyond December 31, 2022. Changes to any existing agreements during the moratorium period are limited. Refer to IRS.gov for specific change limitations.
• Renewing AA or CAA: Those with current approved agreements expiring this year will need to submit Form 13551 and all required documentation prior to the August 15 moratorium start date. Applications with received dates after that date will be returned.
• New AA or CAA: Any new applications and all required documentation must have received dates prior to August 15. Applications received after that date will be returned.