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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Q: I didn´t get my income tax refund. Who do I talk to?
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A: The Oregon Department of Revenue at (503) 378-4988.
Q: I´m a Licensed Tax Preparer and am buying my own tax business. What do I need to do?
- A: Since a Licensed Tax Preparer must be supervised by a Licensed Tax Consultant or a CPA, you need to hire one to supervise your tax preparation activities. The Consultant or CPA must be physically present in your office a minimum of 50% of the time each week during tax season, and 50% of the time each month outside of tax season. You also need to register the business with the Board of Tax Practitioners. You can download a Business Registration Application from this web site.
Q: My Tax Consultant´s license lapsed two years ago. How can I restore it?
- A: You must provide continuing education (CE) hours for each year lapsed. For example, if your license lapsed two years ago, you would need to submit 60 hours of CE (30 hours for each year lapsed). You must also pay each year's licensing fee of $75 and a $25 restoration fee, (example: $75 for the first year, $75 for the second year, plus a $25 restoration fee). If you plan to open a business, your are required to fill out a Business Registration Application and submit a fee of $95.
Q: My Tax Preparer´s license lapsed two years ago. How can I restore my license?
- A: You must provide continuing education (CE) hours for each year lapsed. For example, if your license lapsed two years ago, you would need to submit 60 hours of CE (30 hours for each year lapsed). You must also pay each year's licensing fee of $65 and a $25 restoration fee, (example: $65 for the first year, $65 for the second year, plus a $25 restoration fee). If you plan to open a business, your are required to fill out a Business Registration Application and submit a fee of $95.
Q: How long can I remain in lapsed/inactive status?
- A: You may remain in lapsed status, inactive status, or a combination of lapsed and inactive status, for a maximum of three years. After three years, you must retake the exam to become licensed again. While in lapsed status, all license fees accumulate and must be paid upon reactivation. While in lapsed or inactive status, continuing education hours accumulate at 30 hours per year. You must provide CE certificates for all unpaid hours in order to reactivate your license.
Q: I´m not actually doing taxes right now. Is there something else I can do with my license?
- A: Yes. When you receive your license renewal, mark the "inactive" status and pay the inactive fee. You may not prepare personal income tax returns. You may remain in inactive status for a maximum of three years by paying the inactive fee. At the end of three years, you must reactivate and send CE hours owed, which is accumulated at 30 hours per year. Some practitioners who go inactive choose to submit 30 hours of CE each year by providing certificates with their renewal application. Others choose to earn all of their CE hours in the last year, and provide the certificates when they reactivate their license. If you do not renew at the end of three years, you must retake the exam to become licensed again.
Q: Do college classes count for continuing education?
- A: Yes, courses on tax and accounting count. You will need to submit a transcript or report card for proof of taking the class. Each quarter-hour college credit is worth 10 hours and each semester-hour college credit is worth 15 hours.
Q: I only do tax returns for a couple of people outside my regular job. Do I need to register my business?
- A: If you do any tax returns for a fee or compensation, even one, you must register your business or work for a tax business registered with the Board of Tax Practitioners.
Q: When is my license renewal due?
- A: Tax preparer licenses expire September 30 of each year. Renewals are due no later than October 15 (postmark date), a grace period of two weeks during which time you do not have to pay the $25 restoration fee. Tax consultant licenses expire May 31 of each year. Renewals are due no later than June 15 (postmark date). After those dates, a combination license/business registration is no longer acceptable. Licensees must pay the full fee for license renewal, business registration, and restoration fee.
Q: How long do I have to keep records?
- A: You are required to keep records not less than four years after the date they were prepared.
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