Contact:  Martha J. Lockwood, CAE, APR
Telephone:  202-822-6232
E-mail:  mlockwood@naea.org

For a printable copy of this news release click here.

For Immediate Release

Tax Practitioners Earn Elite Designation
At The National Tax Practice Institute®

Fellows Program Admits 81

Washington, DC. – (August 12, 2009) The prestigious Fellows designation from the National Tax Practice Institute® has been achieved by 81 tax practitioners. This accomplishment is a clear demonstration of each Fellow’s dedication to protecting taxpayer rights and state-of-the-art knowledge of tax law, rules and regulations. NTPI is administered by the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and application is open only to licensed tax practitioners.

          Fellows of NAEA's National Tax Practice Institute have completed a demanding curriculum, covering a three-year period, uniquely preparing them to effectively represent their clients before all administrative levels of the IRS. Having successfully completed coursework covering variances of examinations, audits, collections and appeals, and having studied best practices and role-playing, Fellows know the entire process from both the client and IRS perspective. While earning the EA license denotes competence and the right to represent taxpayers, Fellows have made the commitment to a higher level of knowledge and excellence which further sets them apart. The course, developed to prepare licensed representatives to protect their clients’ rights, disseminates the most recent information about IRS laws and procedures critical to representation.

          Enrolled agents (EAs) are a diverse group of independent, federally authorized tax practitioners who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in tax law and are the only taxpayer representatives licensed to practice by the United States government. EAs advise and represent taxpayers before the IRS, including taxpayers who are being examined, are unable to pay or are trying to avoid or recover penalties. EAs also prepare tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts and any other entities with tax-reporting requirements. Unlike tax attorneys and CPAs, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxation, all EAs specialize in taxation and are required by the federal government to maintain their professional skills with continuing professional education.
 
          A list of the 2009 Class of NTPI Fellows is below.

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About NAEA
The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) is a professional society whose members are dedicated to honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the IRS. Its efforts are supported nationwide through a network of affiliated state and local chapters. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS’ requirements. NAEA membership also entails stringent adherence to a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as compliance with the Treasury Department’s Circular 230 regulations. NAEA members are experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to ensure the tax code is fairly applied and reasonably enforced.

To find an enrolled agent in your area, visit the National Association of Enrolled Agents’ website at www.naea.org and click on the “Find an Enrolled Agent” link.