The National Tax Practice Institute™ (NTPI®) teaches enrolled agents, CPAs, and tax attorneys how to represent their clients. Representation requires expertise in the tax code as well as knowledge of the system and how it works. Clients deserve the best defense possible, and this requires continual education and review, as well as a robust network of expert colleagues who are willing to offer advice and assistance as needed. Enrolled agents receive their right to represent taxpayers directly from the U.S. Treasury, after proving in-depth knowledge of the IRS tax code through examination.

NAEA developed NTPI to prepare licensed representatives to protect their clients’ rights and build camaraderie among top practitioners. At NTPI you will increase your knowledge of IRS laws and procedures critical to representation—including Circular 230, the document which governs tax practitioners, learn from other enrolled agents who are actively involved in representation, and gain practical hands-on experience.

NTPI is a three-level program developed to sharpen the skills of enrolled practitioners at all stages of their careers. With each level of this program, participants build on their knowledge and expand their skills to gain the confidence necessary to successfully guide their clients through the often challenging maze of IRS codes, internal regulations, and agency structure.

Tax practitioners who successfully complete Levels 1, 2, and 3 (in order) join the ranks of the prestigious NAEA National Tax Practice Institute™ Fellows. Fellows are the crème de la crème of representation experts, and are highly qualified to represent their clients. Prospective clients using the “Find a Tax Expert” directory can even search for an NTPI Fellow. The member profiles of Fellows also showcase their designation, adding a level of distinction illustrating their additional expertise. See the list of NTPI Fellows.

NAEA also offers a graduate level track in representation which is open for NTPI Fellows and other highly-qualified representation practitioners. In these sessions, nationally-recognized speakers engage participants in high-level discussions on key topics. The graduate level program encourages networking and building relationships that provide inspiration and support for all participants.

Please remember that in order to achieve NTPI Fellow status, taking the three levels in order is mandatory (*).

SO, HOW DO I BECOME AN NTPI FELLOW?

  • First, you must be an enrolled agent, CPA, or tax attorney
  • Second, you must complete Levels 1, 2 and 3 (in order)

Levels 1 and 2 may be taken the same year if: *

  • Level 1 is taken online and Level 2 is taken at the August NAEA National Conference or the Fall Conference.
  • Level 1 is taken at the NAEA National Conference and Level 2 is taken at the November Fall Conference.

The NTPI Program can be fully completed (Levels 1, 2 and 3) in the same year if *

Level 1 is taken online, Level 2 is taken at the August NAEA National Conference and Level 3 is taken at the Fall Conference in November.

* It is strongly recommended that a candidate complete only one level per year to gain the most benefit from the program.

Become an NTPI Fellow

Questions? Contact us at 202-822-6232 or education@naea.org.