Voluntary Certification Program for Professional Employer Organizations (CPEOs)

What is the CPEO Program?

The Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, enacted Dec. 19, 2014, requires the IRS to establish a voluntary certification program for professional employer organizations (PEOs). PEOs handle various payroll administration and tax reporting responsibilities for their business clients and are typically paid a fee based on payroll costs.

Learn more about the CPEO Program

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for certification as a CPEO, a PEO:

• Must be a business entity.
• Must have at least one physical business location within the United States.
• Should have a history of federal, state, and local tax compliance, financial responsibility, and organizational integrity.
• Should be managed by individuals (a majority of whom are US citizens or residents) who have knowledge or experience regarding federal and state employment tax compliance and business practices relating to those compliance requirements.

How Do I Apply?

The IRS uses an Online Registration System for PEO certification. Click the “How Do I Apply” link below for instructions for the fingerprint process and the application system.

The sequence for completing an application for certification is as follows:

• Individual Identity Verification
• Responsible Individual Personal Attestation (RIPA)
• Create a Controlled Group
• CPEO Application

How do I apply