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Oregon State Archives

Oregon Bulletin

March 1, 2011

Board of Tax Practitioners
Chapter 800

Rule Caption: 2010 Overhaul of OAR’s based on recommendations made by the Rules Advisory Committee and voted on by the Board.

Adm. Order No.: BTP 1-2011

Filed with Sec. of State: 1-24-2011

Certified to be Effective: 2-1-11

Notice Publication Date: 12-1-2010

Rules Adopted: 800-030-0030

Rules Amended: 800-010-0015, 800-010-0030, 800-010-0040, 800-010-0041, 800-010-0050, 800-015-0010, 800-015-0015, 800-015-0030, 800-020-0015, 800-020-0025, 800-020-0026, 800-025-0020, 800-025-0023, 800-025-0025, 800-025-0027, 800-025-0030, 800-025-0050, 800-025-0060, 800-030-0025, 800-030-0050

Subject: The amendments to the Oregon Administrative Rules result from the Board’s Rules Advisory Committee, Assistant Attorney General and Board staff recommendations and are for general “housekeeping” & “maintenance” as well as to change language to better reflect the “norm” in industry standards and the practices of other state agencies. In addition, the proposed amendments will provide better clarification to constituents as well as continue to conform to the current standards the Board is operating under.

Other than “housekeeping” language changes and/or additions more substantial changes include the following:

1. Amendment to OAR 800-010-0040 clarifies existing rule that state personal income tax returns shall include the signature and Board issued license number of the licensee who has substantially prepared the return.

2. Amendment to OAR 800-010-0050 defines advertising as any forms of printed, broadcast or electronic material.

3. Amendment to 800-015-0010 allows for correspondence and online study courses approved by specific sponsors be automatically accepted for continuing education requirements if subject matter complies with rules defining acceptable/unacceptable areas of study for licensees. Correspondence and self-study courses not approved by outlined sponsors will still require Board approval. Changes will not affect current rules related to live seminars, live group webinars or live phone forums, these courses are accepted/not accepted based on compliance with rules pertaining to acceptable/unacceptable areas of study.

4. Amendment to 800-025-0050 to include the specific number of hours that licensed tax preparers must have in conjunction with the required 1 year tax preparation experience, within the previous 3 years, that would qualify them to not have to be under the immediate, onsite supervision of more experienced personnel when preparing, advising, or assisting in the preparation of tax returns.

5. Amendment to 800-025-0060 to require that all tax preparation businesses must notify the Board within 15 business days of any change of resident consultant.

6. Amendment to 800-030-0025 additions to the civil penalty matrix.

7. Creates new rule 800-030-0030 that gives authority to Board representatives to inspect, investigate or evaluate a business or branch office.

Rules Coordinator: Jane Billings—(503) 373-1691

800-010-0015

Definitions

As used in these rules, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) “Board” means the State Board of Tax Practitioners.

(2) “Branch Office” means an office or other place of business where clients would normally or usually contact a licensee.

(3) “Client” means a person for whom a licensee performs or agrees to perform professional services for a fee and the services are related directly or indirectly to the client’s personal income taxes.

(4) “Confidential Information” means information furnished to a licensee for, or in connection with, the preparation of a client’s income tax return.

(5) “Designated Consultant” means a Licensed Tax Consultant who is the responsible individual for the preparation of all personal income tax returns prepared for the public for each registered tax preparation business.

(6) “Licensee” means a Licensed Tax Consultant, Licensed Tax Preparer, or any person, corporation, firm or partnership falling within the purview of ORS 673.605 to 673.735.

(7) “Resident Consultant” means the Licensed Tax Consultant who is physically present to conduct and carryout his/her duties in the principal or branch office.

(8) “Tax Consultant or Tax Preparer Practice” and a licensee’s “professional practice” means any service performed or supervised by the licensee for a client, including any advice or recommendation made by the licensee to the client, when it is related directly or indirectly to the client’s personal income tax return, if the licensee also prepares the client’s personal income tax returns.

(9) “Tax Preparation Business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or other entity that offers personal income tax preparation services to the public, for a fee, whether operated under an individual’s own name or under an assumed business or corporate name, and including tax preparation businesses operated on a full- or part-time basis.

(10) “Valuable Consideration”, as used in ORS 673.615 and OAR Chapter 800, means a benefit that accrues to a person as a result of preparing, advising or assisting in the preparation of personal tax returns for others, or offering to perform such services. Valuable consideration need not be translatable into dollars and cents.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 6, f. & ef. 1-5-76; TSE 2-1982, f. & ef. 5-10-82; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 6-1986, f. & ef. 12-31-86; TSE 3-1987, f. & ef. 10-2-87; TSE 1-1990, f. & cert. ef. 1-25-90; TSE 4-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-010-0030

Accountability

(1) A Licensed Tax Consultant or registered tax preparation business shall only allow persons to practice in the consultant’s or tax preparation business name who are licensed as tax consultants, tax preparers, or as described in ORS 673.610.

(2) A Licensed Tax Consultant shall not permit the use of the consultant’s license to enable others to establish and carry on a business for the preparation of personal income tax returns wherein the consultant’s only interest is the receipt of a fee for use of the consultant’s license and the Licensed Tax Consultant does not provide supervision of the tax preparation activities as defined in OAR 800-025-0050.

(3) A Licensed Tax Consultant or a Licensed Tax Preparer shall not state or imply that a Licensed Tax Preparer preparing tax returns to which the consultant’s license number or tax preparation business information is affixed is not:

(a) Fully subject to the supervision of the Licensed Tax Consultant or registered tax preparation business; as defined in OAR 800-025-0050; or

(b) Acting as agent of the Licensed Tax Consultant or registered tax preparation business.

(4) A Licensed Tax Preparer shall not engage in the preparation of tax returns, assist in such preparation, gather tax information, or provide tax advice unless the Licensed Tax Preparer is under the supervision of a Licensed Tax Consultant as defined in OAR 800-025-0050.

(5) A licensee shall not maintain a financial interest in or hold an employment position with any business entity that offers personal income tax preparation services, if any other person maintains a financial interest in the entity, or holds a management position involving authority over the business operations of the entity, and:

(a) That person’s tax consultants or tax preparers license has been permanently revoked; or

(b) The Board has refused to issue or renew a license to that person; or

(c) Another state regulatory agency or the Internal Revenue Service has revoked or refused to issue or renew an occupational license, registration or permit held or requested by that person, for conduct involving tax preparation or dishonesty.

(6) If required to do so under section (5) of this rule, a licensee shall be allowed a reasonable time, not to exceed 180 calendar days, to sever an existing relationship with a person whose license is revoked or refused.

(7) Section (5) of this rule does not apply to a licensee or a person described in subsections (5)(a) through (c) of this rule, whose only financial interest in a tax preparation business is the ownership of ten percent or less of the stock in a publicly-held corporation.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 6, f. & ef. 1-5-76; TSE 1-1979, f. 6-14-79, ef. 6-15-79; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 8-1987, f. & ef. 12-21-87; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-010-0040

Identification

(1) A licensee shall include the name of the tax preparation business, permanent address, and signature on the original and all copies of federal and state personal income tax returns or electronic filing documents prepared by the licensee, together with all other data required by the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Revenue, and State Board of Tax Practitioners. Office copies are exempt from this requirement.

(2) The state personal income tax return shall include the signature and the board issued license number of the licensee who substantially prepared the return.

(3) In addition to the original copies of returns provided to or filed on behalf of a client, at least one (1) duplicate copy of the complete set of the returns, including all accompanying forms and schedules, shall be supplied to the client. A licensee is not required to provide duplicate records to a client more than once. However, in the case of a joint return, each spouse is entitled, upon request, to a copy of the return.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(5)

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 6, f. & ef. 1-5-76; TSE 12, f. & ef. 9-20-77; TSE 1-1978, f. & ef. 2-3-78; TSE 2-1982, f. & ef. 5-10-82; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 2-1995, f. & cert. ef. 5-5-95; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-010-0041

Address and Telephone

Licensees shall file with the Board their current mailing address, residence address, e-mail address and telephone number(s). Licensees shall also file with the Board their current tax preparation business address, telephone number and a year-round address and telephone number where clients and the Board may contact the licensee. Whenever any of the information required in this section changes, the licensee shall notify the Board within 15 business days.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-010-0050

Advertising and Solicitation

(1) As used in this rule, “advertise” and “advertising” means any form of printed, broadcast or electronic material that makes known professional income tax services. This includes, but is not limited to, business cards and stationery, and all web and e-commerce advertising of an individual or tax preparation business.

(2) No licensee or tax preparation business shall advertise or solicit clients in a false, fraudulent, deceptive or misleading manner.

(3) All advertising must include the name of a firm that has complied with ORS 673.643 or state the name of the firms Designated Licensed Tax Consultant.

(a) Only a person holding a valid Tax Consultant’s License may use the designation “L.T.C.”, “LTC” or the titles “Licensed Tax Consultant” or “Tax Consultant.”

(b) Only a person holding a valid Tax Preparer’s License may use the designation “L.T.P.”, “LTP” or the title “Licensed Tax Preparer”.

(4) All advertising must be reviewed and approved in advance by the designated Licensed Tax Consultant. The designated Licensed Tax Consultant and the designating tax preparation business shall each be responsible for the business’s compliance with the provisions of this rule.

(5) No licensee shall advertise to give a discount unless:

(a) The discount is based upon a basic fee schedule posted in public view in the licensee’s place of business; and

(b) The fees on the posted basic fee schedule are the usual and customary charges of the tax preparation business; and

(c) The basic fee schedule must include the minimum fees charged for at least the following forms and schedules: 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, Sch. A, Sch. B, Sch. EIC, Form 2441, Form 8812, Oregon 40 & 40S.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.663

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 6, f. & ef. 1-5-76; TSE 2-1981(Temp), f. 2-18-81, ef. 2-19-81; TSE 3-1981, f. 7-22-81, ef. 7-23-81; TSE 4-1981, f. & ef. 8-13-81; TSE 3-1982, f. & ef. 11-19-82; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 3-1986, f. & ef. 7-14-86; TSE 2-1990, f. & cert. ef. 1-25-90; TSE 2-1992, f. & cert. ef. 5-15-92; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-015-0010

Continuing Education

(1) Except for renewal of an initial license, a Licensed Tax Consultant or Licensed Tax Preparer renewing a license shall submit evidence of attending or by self-attestation on the renewal must complete at least 30 hours of acceptable continuing education since the last renewal date.

(2) If by self-attestation, each licensee shall report compliance with the continuing education requirements on the license renewal document. Licensees shall be subject to the provisions of OAR 800-015-0015 pertaining to the periodic audit of continuing education.

(3) If by self-attestation, proof of participation in required continuing education is the responsibility of the licensee. To ensure that proof of attainment of required continuing education is available for audit or investigation by the Board, licensees shall maintain a record of attendance for at least two (2) years following each continuing education cycle and renewal of the tax practitioner license.

(4) Continuing education credit will be accepted only for courses and seminars that comply with all Board rules regarding continuing education.

(5) The Board may verify continuing education information submitted by licensees.

(6) Education hours earned in excess of 30 hours annually cannot be carried over from one renewal period to the next, except extra hours earned during the month of renewal not claimed on that renewal may be submitted with the following year’s renewal.

(7) Continuing education credit shall be granted only once during a license year for attendance at or instruction of duplicate seminars offered by the same sponsor or instructor.

(8) Continuing education credit for courses at accredited universities and colleges will be 15 hours for each semester hour credit and ten (10) hours for each quarter hour credit. For all other courses and seminars, one (1) hour of continuing education credit will be allowed for each hour of classroom attendance.

(9) Continuing education credit may be accepted for instructors of basic or advanced courses or seminars. The credit allowed will be two (2) hours for each hour of teaching, which includes preparation time. No more than ½ of total required continuing education credit can be in teaching.

(10) Correspondence and online study courses may be accepted if the program and sponsor comply with all Board rules regarding continuing education and:

(a) The sponsor requires evidence of satisfactory completion of workbooks or examinations before certificates are issued.

(b) The hours credited do not exceed the credit that would be allowed in a resident course covering the same material; and

(c) A course outline with accompanying workbooks or exams is submitted to the Board, prior to offering the material, for approval of course content and hours of credit claimed, if not already approved by California Tax Education Council (CTEC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), Quality Assurance Services (QAS) or courses by such other sponsors as may be approved by the Board.

(11) “In-Company” instruction may be accepted if the course or seminar is presented to ten (10) or more people and all other requirements for continuing education sponsors are met. Portions of such educational sessions devoted to administrative and firm matters shall not be accepted.

(12) If a licensee claims credit for a course or seminar in the reasonable belief the instruction qualifies as acceptable continuing education, but the Board finds all or part of the hours claimed to be unacceptable, the licensee may be granted an additional period of time, not to exceed 60 calendar days, to make up the rejected hours.

(13) Licensed Tax Consultants and Licensed Tax Preparers who have extenuating circumstances and are unable to obtain all their continuing education by their license due dates may make application, by completing a form prescribed by the Board, for a waiver of continuing education hours.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.645 - 673.667

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.645 - 673.667

Hist.: TSE 9, f. & ef. 6-28-76; TSE 1-1979, f. 6-14-79, ef. 6-15-79; TSE 2-1979, f. 9-28-79, ef. 10-1-79; TSE 3-1979, f. 11-28-79, ef. 11-30-79; TSE 2-1980, f. & ef. 5-30-80, Renumbered from OAR 800-020-0045; TSE 3-1980, f. & ef. 8-22-80; TSE 2-1982, f. & ef. 5-10-82; TSE 3-1982, f. & ef. 11-19-82; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 3-1985, f. & ef. 12-5-85; TSE 9-1987, f. & ef. 12-21-87; TSE 1-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-2-97; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-015-0015

Continuing Education: Audit, Required Documentation and Sanctions

(1) The Board will audit a select percentage of licensee records determined by the Board to verify compliance with continuing education requirements.

(2) Licensees notified of selection for audit of continuing education attestation shall submit to the Board, within 30 calendar days from the date of issuance of the notification, satisfactory evidence of participation in required continuing education in accordance with OAR 800-015-0010.

(3) Documentation of a certificate of completion of attendance at a program, seminar or course provided by a sponsor must include:

(a) Name of student;

(b) Name, address and telephone number of sponsoring institution/association or organization;

(d) Title of program and description of content;

(e) Name of instructor or presenter;

(f) Date(s) of attendance;

(g) Number of instruction hours;

(4) For documentation of completion of a college/university course, a Licensee must submit a copy of an official transcript, diploma, certificate, statement or affidavit.

(5) If documentation of continuing education is invalid or incomplete, the licensee must correct the deficiency within 30 calendar days from the date of notice. Failure to correct the deficiency within the prescribed time shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action.

(6) Misrepresentation of continuing education, or failing to meet continuing education requirements or documentation may result in disciplinary action, which may include but is not limited to assessment of a civil penalty and suspension or revocation of the license.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.605 - 673.740

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.605 - 673.740

Hist.: BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-015-0030

Continuing Education and Basic Sponsor Requirements

(1) Sponsors shall:

(a) Maintain for at least two (2) years an outline of each program presented;

(b) Maintain for at least two (2) years a record of attendance for each program presented;

(d) Provide the student a certificate or other verification of completion at the conclusion of the program. If the sponsor is an accredited college or university, a student transcript or grade report showing the credit earned will be acceptable verification. For all other sponsors, the certification shall include:

(A) Name of student;

(B) Name, address and telephone number of sponsoring institution/association or organization;

(D) Title of program and description of content;

(E) Name of instructor or presenter;

(F) Date(s) of attendance;

(G) Number of instruction hours.

(2) Sponsors must conduct their programs in an honest and ethical manner.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.655

Stats. Implemented:

800-020-0015

Application for Examination

(1) Application to take the examination for a tax preparer or tax consultant must be filed with the Board on forms prescribed and furnished by the Board. The application must include the examination fee and the proctor site fee, if applicable. The application must be signed.

(2) The application and examination fee shall be filed with the Board no later than one (1) month prior to the examination date, except when the Board sets tighter deadlines due to extenuating circumstances.

(3) Completed basic course certification forms as required under OAR 800-015-0005(6) shall be submitted to the Board by the student with the initial application for a Tax Preparer License. The preparer applicant may file an application to take the examination before completing the basic tax course. Applicants shall furnish the Board a brief outline of courses completed, together with a transcript from the educational institution if the course(s) they completed has/have not received prior approval from the Board. If the Board determines the course(s) completed is/are comparable to those described in OAR 800-015-0005, the applicant shall be eligible to take the examination.

(4) A tax consultant applicant who is a Licensed Tax Preparer shall submit verification by the applicant’s employer or employers, on forms prescribed and furnished by the Board, that the applicant has worked in the capacity as a Licensed Tax Preparer for not less than a cumulative total of 780 hours during at least two (2) of the last five (5) years.

(5) A tax consultant applicant who is claiming equivalent tax preparer experience shall submit on forms prescribed and furnished by the Board:

(a) Verification by the applicant’s employer or employers that the applicant has worked in the capacity as a Licensed Tax Preparer for not less than a cumulative total of 780 hours during at least two (2) of the last five (5) years.

(i) The Board will accept employment as an income tax auditor or taxpayer service representative with the Internal Revenue Service or State Department of Revenue as being equivalent experience.

(ii) For the purpose of meeting the work experience requirement for tax consultants, one hour of experience gained through volunteer tax preparation programs such as VITA and AARP-TCE will be accepted for each five hours spent preparing, advising or assisting in the preparation of tax returns through the volunteer program, up to a maximum of 150 hours credited. To qualify for the one (1) to five (5) hour experience credit, total hours worked in the volunteer program must be verified in writing by a supervisor knowledgeable in tax preparation.

(b) To claim experience under this section, the applicant must submit a petition signed under penalty of perjury that the work experience claimed is true, correct and complete.

(6) Applicants for the tax consultant examination must have completed, within a year prior to submitting application, a minimum of 15 hours of acceptable continuing education in personal income taxation to meet the requirements of OAR 800-015-0010 to 800-015-0030. This requirement is in addition to the required 780 hours of work experience earned during at least two (2) of the last five (5) years.

(7) A tax practitioner applicant claiming tax consulting experience in another state shall:

(a) Submit, on a form prescribed and furnished by the Board, a petition signed under penalty of perjury, claiming self-employment as a tax practitioner for no less than two (2) of the last five (5) years; and

(b) Furnish documented proof of self-employment as a tax practitioner.

(8) A tax preparer or tax consultant applicant who has worked in the capacity as a tax practitioner in another state or in an exempt status may request Board approval to substitute work experience for up to two-thirds of the classroom hours of basic income tax education otherwise required to qualify as a tax preparer or tax consultant. Approval may be granted to substitute experience for education only if:

(a) The applicant was actively engaged in a tax preparation business within two (2) years prior to the date of application;

(b) The applicant has at least three (3) years experience in a tax preparation business;

(c) The applicant has gained a competency level through work experience that is equal to those applicants who have successfully completed the basic income tax course; and

(d) The applicant submits verification by the applicant’s employer(s) or evidence of self- employment regarding the work experience.

(9) The Board may accept education credit for courses completed by a tax consultant applicant to substitute for up to 260 hours of work experience at the rate of one (1) classroom hour of education for five (5) hours of experience if:

(a) The subject matter of the course was related to taxation;

(b) The applicant completed the course within one (1) year of applying to become a Licensed Tax Consultant; and

(10) Information required of the applicant and on the application forms shall be completed before an applicant may be admitted to an examination.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.625

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 8, f. & ef. 5-19-76; TSE 1-1979, f. 6-14-79, ef. 6-15-79; TSE 2-1979, f. 9-28-79, ef. 10-1-79; TSE 2-1980, f. & ef. 5-30-80; TSE 2-1982, f. & ef. 5-10-82; TSE 3-1982, f. & ef. 11-19-82; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 3-1985, f. & ef. 12-5-85; TSE 4-1988, f. & cert. ef. 11-2-88; TSE 5-1990, f. & cert. ef. 5-3-90; TSE 9-1992, f. & cert. ef. 12-22-92; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 1-2005, f. & cert. ef. 1-5-05; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-020-0025

Fees

The fees for licenses and registrations issued, renewed, reactivated or otherwise, shall be prescribed by the State Board of Tax Practitioners by rule but shall not exceed the following:

(1) The fee for application for examination for a tax preparer’s license is $50.

(2) The fee for application for examination for a tax consultant’s license is $85.

(3) The fee for issuance of a tax preparer’s initial license is $80

(4) The fee for renewal for a tax preparer’s active license is $80.

(5) The fee for issuance or renewal of a tax consultant’s active license is $95.

(6) The fee for an initial consultant license, if an applicant holds an active preparer’s license is $65.

(7) The fee for an initial combination consultant license/tax preparation business registration, if an applicant holds an active preparer’s license is $125.

(8) The fee to place a tax preparer’s license in inactive status is $35.

(9) The fee to place a tax consultant’s license in inactive status is $50.

(10) The fee for reactivation of a tax preparer license in inactive status is $80.

(11) The fee for reactivation of a tax consultant license in inactive status is $95.

(12) The fee to reactivate a tax preparer or tax consultant license in lapsed status is $35, plus payment of all unpaid renewal fees.

(13) The fee for a duplicate practitioners license is $10.

(14) The fee for a duplicate business registration is $10.

(15) The fee for a replacement tax consultant’s certificate is $15.

(16) The fee for issuance or renewal of a tax preparation business registration is $110.

(17) As provided by subsection (a) and (b) of this section, the fee for issuance or renewal of a combination tax consultant’s or tax preparer’s license and tax preparation business registration is $155:

(a) For Consultants — If postmarked on or before June 15th.

(b) For Preparers — If postmarked on or before October 15th.

(18) The fee for issuance or renewal of a branch office registration is $20.

(19) The nonrefundable processing fee retained for all refunds issued is $10.

(20) Dishonored Check or Electronic Payment. Pursuant to ORS 30.701, whenever a bank check, credit or debit transaction in payment of an obligation due for fees, penalties, copies of records or materials, or other services to the agency, is dishonored by the bank upon which the check is drawn, the applicant or authorization holder will be assessed and must pay an administrative processing fee in the amount of $25. The Board may take any other disciplinary action against an authorization holder or payer and may seek other legal remedies in pursuing to effect collection of the returned items. If a check is returned for Non-Sufficient Fund (NSF) or uncollected funds the Board will attempt to collect payment by other means.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.685

Hist.: TSE 4(Temp), f. & ef. 11-20-75 through 3-19-76; TSE 8, f. & ef. 5-19-76; TSE 14, f. 10-25-77, ef. 11-1-77; TSE 1-1979, f. 6-14-79, ef. 6-15-79; TSE 3-1979, f. 11-28-79, ef. 11-30-79; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 2-1986, f. & ef. 7-14-86; TSE 1-1987(Temp), f. 6-30-87, ef. 7-1-87; TSE 5-1987, f. & ef. 10-2-87; TSE 7-1987(Temp), f. & ef. 11-17-87; TSE 1-1988, f. & cert. ef. 2-19-88; TSE 4-1990, f. & cert. ef. 5-3-90; TSE 3-1991(Temp), f. 8-14-91, cert. ef. 9-29-91; TSE 5-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; TSE 12-1991(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 11-25-91; TSE 3-1992, f. 5-15-92, cert. ef. 6-1-92; TSE 3-1997, f. & cert. ef. 9-4-97; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTSE 1-2002(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-02 thru 1-1-03; Administration correction 4-16-03; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 3-2007, f. 7-30-07, cert. ef. 8-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-020-0026

Refunds of Examination Fees

(1) A $10 nonrefundable processing fee shall be retained from all examination application fees. The remainder of an examination application fee shall be refunded only when the applicant is not qualified or when there are verifiable circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the applicant.

(2) Except as provided in section (3) of this rule, an applicant who has been approved to sit for the examination but who fails to take the exam is a “no-show” or takes but does not pass the examination shall not be entitled to a refund of the examination fee.

(3) If application for examination is made in anticipation of successfully completing the required basic course and the applicant fails to complete the required course a refund of the examination fee will be issued only if:

(a) The applicant establishes that failure to successfully complete the course was beyond the reasonable control of the applicant and

(b) The applicant notifies the Board prior to the scheduled examination date.

(4) A $10 nonrefundable processing fee shall be retained from all license, renewal and registration application fees. The remainder of the application fee remitted shall be refunded only when the licensee is not qualified or when there are verifiable circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the licensee.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(3)

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 1-1979, f. 6-14-79, ef. 6-15-79; TSE 2-1982, f. & ef. 5-10-82; TSE 1-1983, f. & ef. 3-10-83; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 2-1986, f. & ef. 7-14-86; TSE 6-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0020

Tax Preparation Business Registration

(1) A tax preparation business shall not offer services to the public until the business has:

(a) Complied with applicable laws and rules of the Oregon Corporation Division;

(b) Registered with the Board, on a Board-approved application form, the tax preparation business name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address; the name(s) of the owner(s) of the business; and the name of the individual(s) responsible under OAR 800-025-0040 for the tax activities of the business; and

(2) Within 15 business days of a change of name or ownership, a tax preparation business must file a new business registration with the Board and pay a new business registration fee.

(3) A person who offers tax preparation services under more than one tax preparation business name must register each such name as a separate business.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(5)

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 13-1991(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 11-25-91; TSE 14-1991, f. 11-25-91, cert. ef. 1-1-92; TSE 4-1992, f. & cert. ef. 5-15-92; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0023

Reporting Closing of Business; Address and Phone Changes

A tax preparation business shall notify the Board within 15 business days of:

(1) Termination of the tax preparation business;

(2) A change in the mailing address, physical address, e-mail address or telephone number(s) of the tax preparation business.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(5)

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 7-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0025

Renewal of Tax Preparation Business Registration

(1) Tax preparation business registrations shall expire annually on June 15, except that combination tax preparation business registration/tax preparer licenses shall expire annually on October 15.

(2) At least 30 calendar days prior to the registration expiration date each year, the Board shall attempt to notify each tax preparation business, using the contact information they provided to the Board, that their tax preparation business registration is up for renewal.

(3) Renewal registrations shall be issued to a qualifying tax preparation business upon receipt of a completed registration renewal application and the fee for registering a tax preparation business specified in OAR 800-020-0025(14) or the fee for a combined tax consultants or tax preparers license and tax preparation business registration specified in OAR 800-020-0025(15).

(4) A tax preparation business whose registration has expired shall not perform tax preparation services for the public, for a fee, or offer such services until the tax business submits a new tax preparation business registration application and the application process has been completed.

Stat. Auth.:

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 8-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; BTP 1-2004, f. 1-28-04, cert. ef. 2-1-04; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0027

Eligibility for Combined Business Registration and Tax Consultant/Preparer License

(1) A tax preparation business is not eligible for a combined license and registration under OAR 800-020-0025(15) unless at least one (1) of the owners of the tax preparation business is a Licensed Tax Consultant or Licensed Tax Preparer. As used in this section, “owner” means an individual who owns at least ten (10) percent of the tax preparation business.

(2) A tax preparation business, including a tax preparation business that must file a new registration due to a change of name or ownership, is not eligible for a combined license and registration under OAR 800-020-0025(15) unless the registration submitted is:

(a) A new registration, at the time of application for the owner’s tax consultant’s or tax preparer’s license;

(b) A renewal registration, before the expiration date of the current registration.

(3) A licensee who owns more than one (1) tax preparation business is eligible for only one combined license and business registration under OAR 800-020-0025(17). A licensee must pay the full business registration fee for a second or additional tax preparation businesses under OAR 800-020-0025(17).

Stat. Auth.:

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 9-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0030

Branch Offices

(1) A tax preparation business shall not operate any branch office until:

(a) The tax preparation business has complied with all laws and rules of the Board concerning tax business registration;

(b) The mailing address, physical address, e-mail and phone number(s) of the branch office and the name and license number of the resident consultant for the branch office have been submitted to the Board; and

(c) The tax preparation business has paid an annual fee for the branch office registration for that location as required under OAR 800-020-0025(16).

(2) Branch office registrations shall expire annually on the expiration date of the associated tax business registration.

(3) At least 30 calendar days before the expiration of a branch office registration, the Board shall attempt to notify each tax preparation business, using the contact information the tax preparation business has provided to the Board, that their tax preparation branch office registration is up for renewal.

(4) Renewal branch office registrations shall be issued to qualifying tax preparation businesses upon receipt of the required annual registration fee.

(5) A tax preparation business operating branch offices shall notify the Board within 15 business days of:

(a) Change of mailing address, physical address, e-mail address or phone number(s) of the branch office.

(b) Change in Resident Consultant and/or Designated Consultant of the branch office.

(6) Branch offices must be conducted under the same name as the principal office. This name and current registration shall be posted in public view in each branch office.

(7) The name of the Designated Consultant and the name of the Resident Consultant must be posted in public view in each branch office.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(5)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.730(5)

Hist.: TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 10-1991, f. & cert. ef. 10-28-91; TSE 5-1992, f. 5-15-92, cert. ef. 7-1-92; TSE 2-1996, f. & cert. ef. 12-30-96; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0050

Management and Supervision of Tax Preparation Business

(1) Each principal and branch office must be under the management and supervision of a Licensed Tax Consultant. Supervision means:

(a) The direct and immediate control of the Licensed Tax Preparer by the Licensed Tax Consultant in such manner that the Licensed Tax Consultant is aware of the line of questioning and the reasoning applied by the Licensed Tax Preparer in the preparation of each return, and that the Licensed Tax Consultant has adequate opportunity to correct or add to the reasoning applied by the Licensed Tax Preparer; and

(b) A system of selecting, training and controlling the Licensed Tax Preparer, including having a set of procedures by which the Licensed Tax Consultant is assured that the Licensed Tax Preparer is providing competent workmanship and abiding by the statutes and Board rules. Such procedures shall include:

(A) An examination and review of all personal income tax returns for errors under the direct supervision of the Licensed Tax Consultant or a Licensed Tax Preparer chosen based on experience and reviewing ability; and

(B) Giving notice to the Licensed Tax Preparer of any adjustments after examination and review; and

(D) Providing access to the Licensed Tax Consultant (including telephone or electronic media access from branch offices) so that the Licensed Tax Preparer is encouraged to seek tax law consultation and advice; and

(E) Exercising control by the Licensed Tax Consultant over the tax preparation practices and all other matters governed by the statutes and Board rules in each principal and branch office.

(2) Licensed Tax Preparers who have not had at least 240 hours and one (1) year’s tax return preparation experience during the previous three (3) year period must be under the immediate, onsite supervision of more experienced personnel when preparing, advising, or assisting in the preparation of tax returns.

(3) Licensed Tax Consultants who employ any person described in subsection (4) of ORS 673.610 to act in the capacity of Licensed Tax Preparer or Licensed Tax Consultant under their supervision shall report to the Board the names of these persons and the basis for their exemption from licensure.

(4) If a Licensed Tax Preparer is found by the Board to be in violation of the statutes or Board rules, the Licensed Tax Consultant responsible for supervision of that Licensed Tax Preparer shall be deemed to be in violation in the same manner and to the same extent, and may be disciplined by the Board regardless of any discipline imposed on the Licensed Tax Preparer, unless the Licensed Tax Consultant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Board that the circumstances that led to the violation occurred without the permission or knowledge of the Licensed Tax Consultant and that the violation occurred regardless of an adequate system of supervision that would generally prevent such violation. In the case of a corporation, firm, or partnership, both the Designated Consultant and the corporation, firm, or partnership may be disciplined.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(5)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.615(2)

Hist.: TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 2-1996, f. & cert. ef. 12-30-96; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-025-0060

Consultant in Residence

(1) A Licensed Tax Consultant shall be in residence at each principal and branch office. “Tax consultant in residence” means that a Licensed Tax Consultant is physically present to conduct and carry out his/her duties in the principal or branch office for at least 50 percent of the time an office is open to the public for tax preparation, assistance and advice during each week from January 1 to the federal filing deadline without extension and during each month for the remainder of the year for year round offices in accordance with OAR 800-025-0050.

(2) The Board may waive the Licensed Tax Consultant in residence requirement of subsection (1) upon written application which details how the management and supervision of principal and branch offices will effectively be accomplished.

(3) In granting or denying a written application for waiver, the Board shall evaluate each case on an individual basis, considering the following factors:

(a) Distance between offices supervised by a Licensed Tax Consultant.

(b) Past compliance of waiver applicants with ORS 673.605 to 673.735 and rules of the Board.

(c) Whether the policies and procedures described in the application will result in effective management and supervision of Licensed Tax Preparers in the absence of a Resident Consultant.

(d) Sickness or death of a Licensed Tax Consultant; and

(e) Any other unusual or unforeseen circumstances making such waiver necessary.

(4) Applicants shall apply annually for waiver of the resident consultant rule. The application shall provide all of the information described in guidelines established by the Board for applying for waivers. Except in emergency circumstances, such as incapacitation, death or resignation of a resident tax consultant, waiver applications will not be accepted after January 31 for branch offices intended to operate at any time during the period January 1 to the federal filing deadline without extension of the same calendar year. Approved waivers shall expire on the expiration date of the associated tax business registration or a date established by the Board.

(5) All applications must be acted upon by the Board. Disapproval of an application by the Board may be appealed.

(6) The supervising Licensed Tax Consultant of an office for which a waiver has been approved shall meet in person with Licensed Tax Preparers in the office at least twice weekly to review the work of each Licensed Tax Preparer and respond to questions.

(7) A tax preparation business shall notify the Board within 15 business days of any change in status of its Resident Consultant.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730(5)

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.615(2)4

Hist.: TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 5-1986, f. & ef. 10-6-86; TSE 6-1987, f. & ef. 10-2-87; TSE 3-1988, f. & cert. ef. 8-26-88; TSE 5-1995, f. & cert. ef. 5-5-95; TSE 2-1996, f. & cert. ef. 12-30-96; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 2-2007, f. 1-12-07, cert. ef. 2-1-07; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-030-0025

Civil Penalties

(1) Civil Penalty Ranges. Pursuant to ORS 673.735, a civil penalty in the following range shall be assessed for each violation of the following statutes and rules:

(2) Civil Penalty Factors. Pursuant to ORS 673.735, the following factors shall be considered in determining the amount of civil penalty to assess for each violation above the minimum established under paragraph (1) of this rule or for violations not specified in paragraph (1):

(a) The previous record of the person in complying, or failing to comply, with ORS 673.605 to 673.740, or any rule or order adopted there under.

(b) The harm to the consumer as a result of the violation.

(c) The person’s knowledge of the statute, rule, or order violated. An intentional, reckless, or willful violation warrants a high civil penalty per violation.

(d) The person’s lack of cooperation with the Board.

(e) The seriousness of the violations committed.

(3) Daily Civil Penalty. Pursuant to ORS 673.735, the Board may impose civil penalties of not more than $5,000 for each violation of ORS 673.605 to 673.740, or any rule adopted there under. In the case of violations of ORS 673.615, 673.643, or 673.705(5), or OAR 800-010-0025(7) or 800-010-0042, the Board may consider each business day a person continues in violation following Board notification to be a separate violation.

(4) Civil Penalty Adjustment. The civil penalty amount to be imposed under this rule shall be lowered to an appropriate amount when the Board determines that the total civil penalties to be assessed against a person are grossly disproportionate to the seriousness of the violations committed.

(5) Payment of Civil Penalties. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, payment of any civil penalty imposed by the Board must be made within 60 calendar days of the date a final order assessing the penalty is issued. If the civil penalty is not paid within that time, in addition to any other action allowed by law or Board rules, proceedings may be instituted to suspend, revoke or refuse to renew the tax consultants or tax preparers license of the person against whom the penalty is assessed.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.730

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.735

Hist.: TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; BTSE 1-1998, f. & cert ef 9-3-98; BTSE 1-2002(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-6-02 thru 1-1-03; Administrative correction 4-16-03; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 1-2004, f. 1-28-04, cert. ef. 2-1-04; BTP 3-2004, f. 10-11-04 cert. ef. 11-1-04; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-030-0030

Inspections, Evaluations and Investigations

(1) A business owner shall allow Board representatives to inspect or evaluate the business/branch office or conduct an investigation. Obstructing or hindering the normal progress of an investigation, inspection or evaluation; threatening or exerting physical harm; or enabling another individual or employee to impede an investigation, inspection or evaluation may result in disciplinary action.

(2) Business owners must contact the Board within five (5) business days unless extenuating circumstances exist to make any necessary arrangements for an inspection, evaluation or to allow the Board to conduct an investigation if the Board has been unable to perform an inspection, evaluation or conduct an investigation because the business was closed when visited.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673.605 - 673.740, 673.990

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.605 - 673.740, 673.990

Hist.: BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

800-030-0050

Obtaining Information and Purchasing Board-Provided Materials and Services

Materials and services available to the public and licensees through the Tax Board may be obtained or purchased as follows:

(1) In response to telephone requests, the board office may provide the tax practitioner name, license number, whether the license is active or expired, tax preparation business location, business telephone number and whether a discipline record exists.

(2) A copy of the Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 673 and Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 800 may be provided upon request at no charge for the first request. A charge will be assessed for additional/multiple copies.

(3) All requests for any information other than that listed in sub-section (1) and (2) of this rule must be submitted in writing to the board office.

(4) The Board may charge for copies of its records. The types of records that the Board can charge for copies includes, but is not limited to, such material as copies of certificate(s), license(s), registration(s), board meeting materials that are available to the public, general information, duplicating requests requiring multiple records search or the compiling and creation of official documents.

(5) Fees shall not exceed the Board’s actual costs for copying the record(s) requested including, but not limited to, the Board’s cost for locating, compiling, making available for inspection, obtaining legal or other professional advice related to the request, reviewing the records in order to delete exempt material, supervising a person’s inspection of original records, preparing the copy in paper, audio, or electronic format, certifying documents as true copies, and delivery of such record(s).

(6) All fees assessed must be paid before public records are made available. Estimates/fees for processing requests for public records may be given when requested. Person(s) making the public records request is responsible for the actual costs regardless of the estimate.

(7) Persons who want to obtain copies of the following records may learn the charge for them by contacting the board office:

(a) A list of name’s, addresses and places of tax preparation business for all licensed tax practitioners currently on file with the Agency;

(b) A list of records, regardless of whether status is active, inactive, expired or archived;

(d) Copies of board meeting minutes or committee meeting minutes/reports.

(8) Advertising services provided by the Board for a fee which can be obtained by contacting the board office:

(a) Advertising for help-wanted, sale of a tax preparation business, and tax related services or products in the Board newsletter;

(b) Advertising of Tax Consultant or tax preparation business on the Board Web site. Licensees and tax preparation businesses must be in good standing with the Board to obtain and maintain this service.

(9) Charges for records may be waived or substantially reduced if the request is in the publics interest, pursuant to ORS 192.440(4)&(5).

(10) The following fees apply to requests for the following types of public records, information, and services provided by the Board:

(a) Fee for a list of current licensees, which includes; license number, name, mailing address is $25.

(b) Fee for a monthly subscription to a list of current licensees is $120 per year. Lists provided between the 1st – 10th of each month.

(c) Fee for duplicates of tape recordings of board meetings, disciplinary hearings, etc. that are available to the public are $5 each, plus labor at an hourly rate of $25, mailing costs and any Department of Justice costs that may need to be incurred.

(d) Fee for board/committee meeting materials, available to the public, is:

(A) $10 per board/committee meetings’ minutes.

(B) $5 per board/committee notice and agendas.

(e) Fees for advertising for help-wanted and tax related services or products in board newsletter:

(A) $10 per 3 3/8 inch line or part line.

(B) $350 for a full page ad.

(D) $100 for a quarter page ad.

(E) $50 for a business card size ad.

(f) Fee for advertising of a tax consultant or tax preparation business or as an employee of a tax preparation business on the Board Web site:

(A) Name, business address (physical and e-mail), and phone is $10 per year per county.

(B) An additional $10 per county annual fee may be charged for a link to a tax preparation business related website.

(g) Fee for multiple records search including duplicating of documents is labor at an hourly rate of $30, per page duplicating .05 cents, mailing costs and any Department of Justice costs that may need to be incurred.

(h) Fee for making general photocopies is labor at an hourly rate of $25, per page duplicating .05 cents, mailing costs and any Department of Justice costs that may need to be incurred.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 192, 670 & 673

Stats. Implemented:

Hist.: TSE 5-1986, f. & ef. 10-6-86; TSE 6-1990, f. & cert. ef. 5-3-90; BTSE 1-1999, f. & cert. ef. 11-23-99; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 3-2004, f. 10-11-04 cert. ef. 11-1-04; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 1-2010, f. 1-19-10, cert. ef. 2-1-10; BTP 1-2011, f. 1-24-11, cert. ef. 2-1-11

Rule Caption: Additional 2010 overhauls of OAR’s based on
recommendations made by the Rules Advisory Committee and voted on by the Board to become effective July 1, 2011.

Adm. Order No.: BTP 2-2011

Filed with Sec. of State: 2-7-2011

Certified to be Effective: 7-1-11

Notice Publication Date: 12-1-2009

Rules Amended: 800-020-0020, 800-020-0025

Subject: The amendments to the OAR’s result from the Board’s Rules Advisory Committee, Assistant Attorney General and Board staff recommendations and are for general “housekeeping” & “maintenance” as well as to change language to better reflect the “norm” in industry standards and the practices of other state agencies. In addition, the proposed amendments will provide better clarification to constituents as well as continue to conform to the current standards the Board is operating under.

Other than “housekeeping” language changes and/or additions more substantial changes include the following:

1. Amendment to OAR 800-020-0025 reduces fees for tax preparer initial license from $80 to $50.

Rules Coordinator: Jane Billings—(503) 373-1691

800-020-0020

Examinations

(1) Licensing examinations shall be scheduled as the Board deems appropriate.

(2) Tax preparer and tax consultant applicant’s examination shall be written. Questions shall be so constructed as to measure the applicant’s knowledge of Oregon and federal personal income tax law, theory and practice; the provisions of ORS 673.605 to 673.735 and the Code of Professional Conduct. The tax consultant examination shall require a higher standard of knowledge.

(3) A tax preparer applicant must have at least a 75 percent grade or score on the entire examination to pass.

(4) A tax consultant applicant must have at least a 75 percent grade or score on the entire examination to pass.

(5) An enrolled agent who is enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, holding a valid treasury card, must have at least a 75 percent grade or score on the Consultant’s State-Only portion of the examination to pass.

(6) Pass or fail results, including scores, of the examination shall be provided to each examination candidate, electronically or in writing. Results will not be given by any other means.

(7) No review of examination questions by the applicant will be granted.

(8) An applicant who fails to pass the examination shall be eligible for a succeeding examination upon making application and payment of the examination fee.

(9) A tax preparer applicant must re-take the Basic Course, if after three (3) years from Basic Course completion date; the applicant has not yet passed the preparer examination.

(10) An applicant who passes an examination must apply for licensing within 60 days from the examination date. If application for license is not made within 60 calendar days, the applicant must retake the examination, unless there are verifiable circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the applicant, subject to the discretion of the Board.

[Publications: Publications referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 673

Stats. Implemented: ORS 673.605 - 673.740 & 673.990

Hist.: TSE 8, f. & ef. 5-19-76; TSE 10(Temp), f. & ef. 11-29-76 thru 3-28-77; TSE 11, f. & ef. 4-6-77; TSE 1-1979, f. 6-14-79, ef. 6-15-79; TSE 2-1980, f. & ef. 5-30-80; TSE 1-1981 (Temp), f. 1-2-81, ef. 1-5-81; TSE 2-1982, f. & ef. 5-10-82; TSE 1-1983, f. & ef. 3-10-83; TSE 1-1984(Temp), f. & ef. 12-20-84; TSE 1-1985, f. & ef. 1-15-85; TSE 2-1985(Temp), f. & ef. 6-11-85; TSE 2-1986, f. & ef. 7-14-86; TSE 4-1987, f. & ef. 10-2-87; TSE 1-1989, f. & cert. ef. 6-8-89; BTSE 1-2001, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-01; BTP 1-2003, f. & cert. ef. 9-23-03; BTP 2-2004, f. 8-12-04 cert. ef. 8-31-04; BTP 2-2005, f. 7-28-05, cert. ef. 8-1-05; BTP 3-2005, f. 8-31-05, cert. ef. 9-1-05; BTP 1-2008, f. 1-14-08, cert. ef. 2-1-08; BTP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 2-5-09; BTP 2-2011, f. 2-7-11, cert. ef. 7-1-11

800-020-0025

Fees

The fees for licenses and registrations issued, renewed, reactivated or otherwise, shall be prescribed by the State Board of Tax Practitioners by rule but shall not exceed the following:

(1) The fee for application for examination for a tax preparer’s license is $50.

(2) The fee for application for examination for a tax consultant’s license is $85.

(3) The fee for issuance of a tax preparer’s initial license is $50.