The IRS has issued complete rules for its new voluntary Annual Filing Season Program and one must wonder “Why?” What is the IRS hoping to accomplish through this initiative and what use is this program?

It is well-known that the program is a reaction to the IRS loss in the Loving case, which struck down the mandatory preparer registration program. Many preparers jumped on the bandwagon and sought the designation “RTRP,” which was the certification provided by that program. With the demise of the program, the designation is also dead in the water. The IRS has stated that it does not recognize the RTRP designation, but will not comment on whether a professional can use the designation. They have stated that there is nothing to stop RTRP’s from displaying their certificates. Read More