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Business Licensing Database
ACCOUNTANT

ACCOUNTANT ACCOUNTING FIRMS AUDITOR BOOKKEEPER
BOOKKEEPING CPA INCOME TAX TAX PREPARER
TAXES

Federal

Internal Revenue Service
600 17th Street
Denver , CO   80202
(303)446-1675
To prepare federal income tax returns AND represent them during audits and/or collection hearings the person preparing the return must be an attorney; a state licensed CPA or must register with the IRS as and enrolled agent. Contact the IRS directly for more information on becoming an enrolled agent.
Special Enrollment Examination is a four-part test offered once a year in September. The registration deadline is generally July 31.
See IRS Form 2587 for application and more information.

Link:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/f2587.pdf

State

Colorado Division of Registrations
Board of Accountancy
1560 Broadway, #1340
Denver , CO   80202
(303)894-7800
(800)272-3926
To conduct financial audits and render financial opinions recognized by state and federal law, the person preparing must be a state licensed Certified Public Accountant. Licensing requirements include education, experience and testing.
Fees for renewal and reactivation of certificates are subject to change and are posted on the Board's web site.
Individual examination and certification and initial firm registration applications, corresponding documents and fees are paid directly to: UNIFORM CPA EXAMINATION SERVICES. Consult the Board's web site for details.
Once a person has a CPA certificate, they must keep it current with mandatory continuing education requirements to perform ANY paid accounting function.
CPA FIRMS: Corporation, Partnership, and LLC CPA firms must register with Board every 3 years and comply with the provisions of 12-2-117, C.R.S. All partners/ principals working in Colorado must be licensed CPA's in Colorado.

Link:  http://www.dora.state.co.us/accountants/cofirmapp0302.pdf

Federal

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
1801 California Street, Suite 4800
Denver , CO   80202
(303)844-1000
For firms performing audits, S.E.C. rules govern requirements regarding auditor independence to enhance the independence of accountants that audit and review financial statements and prepare attestation reports filed with the Commission. Similar rules have been adopted by the American Institute of CPA's, the Government Accounting Office, the U.S. Department of Labor, and other agencies.

Link:  http://www.sec.gov/rules/final/33-8183.htm
NOTE:  Individuals who prepare Income Tax or provide Bookkeeping have no state licensing requirements, but must have an education in tax preparation and a business license.

page last updated 6/25/08

The Colorado Revised Statutes are available on line at http://198.187.128.12/colorado/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=fs-main.htm&2.0. You can locate a statute of interest by searching either on the citation given in the database (e.g., 18-5-307) or on a keyword or phrase.

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