Form 8498 Continuing Education Provider Application and Request fo

Form 8498
(December 2018)

Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service

OMB Number 1545-1459

Continuing Education Provider Application
and Request for Provider Number

Provider Number (IRS Use Only)

Mail this form to: IRS Continuing Education Processing Center, P.O. Box 1559, Sacramento, CA 95812
1. Type of application (check only one)
New Application (If it is Oct 1 through Dec 31, you must check either current calendar year or next calendar year)
Next Calendar Year
Current Calendar Year
CE Provider Number (required for renewals and adding program(s))

Renewal (provide current provider number)
Request to add new program(s) (provide current provider number)
2. CE Provider Name and Point of Contact Information
Full name of CE Provider

CE Provider's EIN or PTIN

Mailing address (room, apt., suite no. and street, or P.O. Box)

City

State

Foreign province (or state)

Foreign country

Foreign postal code

CE Provider's phone number

CE Provider's website address (Listing Program offerings)

Name of CE Provider's Point of Contact (POC)

POC phone number

Ext

ZIP code

POC email address

POC mailing address (if different than CE Provider's listed above)

City

State

Foreign province (or state)

Foreign country

Foreign postal code

ZIP code

3. Provider Information

CE Provider Status (per Circular No. 230, §10.9(a)(1)) (check only one)
i.

Accredited Educational Institution (attach copy of accreditation letter)

ii. Recognized for continuing education purposes by state licensing body or equivalent (attach copy of recognition letter)
iii. Approved by an IRS CE Accrediting qualifying organization (Accreditor) (attach copy of approval letter)
iv. Professional organization, society or business filing for approval as a CE Provider (Does not fit into any of above categories).
See instructions for documentation that must be attached to your application in order to be considered for approval
4. CE Provider's Targeted Audience (check all that apply)
Other Tax Return Preparers
Enrolled Agents

Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents

5. Program Information (Additional programs can be attached to this application)
Program Name
Number of credit
program hours

Brief program
description

Target audience for program described above (check all that apply)
Other Tax Return Preparers
Category of the CE (Complete only if you checked "Other Tax Return Preparers") (check only one)
Ethics
Federal Tax Update
Federal Tax
Enrolled Agent Special Enrollment Exam Test Preparation
Annual Federal Tax Refresher
Enrolled Agents
Category of the CE (Complete only if you checked "Enrolled Agents") (check only one)
Ethics
Federal Tax Update
Federal Tax/Tax Related Matters
Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents
Category of the CE (Complete only if you checked "Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents") (check only one)
Ethics
Qualified Retirement Plan Matters
Program Delivery Method (check all that apply)
In person
Self-Study

Online Group (Internet based)

6. Renew Program(s) - Renew prior year programs (Additional programs can be attached to this application)
Program Number
Program Name

There is a $460 application fee. This fee is nonrefundable. Full payment must be included with your request/renewal or it will be
rejected. Make your check or money order payable to IRS CE Application Fee. Do not use paper clips or staples.
Catalog Number 63274Y

www.irs.gov

Form 8498 (Rev. 12-2018)

Continuing Education Provider Application and Request for Provider Number
(1) I (We) hereby certify that I (We) plan to offer continuing education programs compliant with the continuing education regulations for
other tax return preparers, enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents (31 CFR, Part 10 reprinted as Treasury Department
Circular No. 230).
(2) I (We) agree to comply with the requirements of Circular 230 relative to each continuing education program offered, including but
not limited to the following:
a. Program(s) will be designed to enhance professional knowledge in Federal taxation, Federal tax related matters, including
ethics, consistent with the Internal Revenue Code and principles of effective tax administration.
b. Program(s) will be developed by individual(s) qualified in the subject matter.
c. Program(s) will utilize material specifically developed for instructional use. General professional literature and IRS publications
will be used only to supplement specific program materials.
d. Program(s) will comply with topic requirements for relevant audience (e.g., continuing education programs for enrolled
retirement plan agents must be designed to enhance professional knowledge in qualified retirement plan matters).
e. Content of program(s) will be accurate and current. I (We) will review and update program(s), at least annually, to ensure
accuracy and consistency with current accepted standards relating to program(s)' subject matter.
f. Instructor(s), discussion leader(s), and/or speaker(s) will be qualified with respect to program content and will possess
demonstrable teaching and communication skills.
g. Program(s) must include some means for participants to evaluate the technical content and presentation of the program
material.
h. Program(s) will be measured in contact hours (50 minutes constituting one contact hour), with credit granted only for a full
contact hour.
i. Certificates of completion bearing a qualified continuing education program number issued by the IRS will be issued to each
individual who successfully completes the program(s).
j. Records will be maintained to verify participants who attended and completed each program for a period of four years following
completion of the program. (For continuous conferences, conventions, and the like, records will be maintained to verify completion
of the program and attendance by each participant at each segment of the program.)
(3) I (We) agree to submit CE program participation data by PTIN holder to the IRS using the format, timing and instructions prescribed
by the Return Preparer Office.
(4) I (We) understand and agree that the above program(s) and related records will be subject to review by the Return Preparer Office
and that additional documentation may be requested at the discretion of the IRS.
(5) I (We) agree to renew our status as an IRS-approved continuing education provider on an annual basis for each year that we intend
to offer IRS continuing education programs, using forms and guidance prescribed by the IRS.
(6) I (We) understand and agree that if we fail to comply with this agreement or fail to meet acceptable standards in our programs, the
IRS may revoke my (our) status as a provider of IRS approved continuing education. Notice of such revocation may be given by
the Director of the Return Preparer Office to all individuals who practice before the Internal Revenue Service and are required to
complete IRS approved continuing education.
Under penalty of perjury, I declare that I have examined this application and read all accompanying information, and to the best of my
knowledge and belief, the information provided is true, correct and complete. I understand any false or misleading information may
result in criminal penalties and/or the denial or revocation of my (our) status as a provider of IRS approved continuing education.
Signature

Date signed

Name (printed/typed)

Title

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Notice
Section 330 of Title 31, United States Code, and 31 CFR part 10 authorize the IRS to collect this information. We use it to administer the registered tax
return preparer, enrolled agent, and enrolled retirement plan agent program. This information may be disclosed to: public authorities for use in law
enforcement, and in connection with employment, contracting, licensing, and other benefits; courts and other adjudicative bodies and the Department of
Justice for litigation purposes; contractors to perform the contract; and to the public to assist them in identifying continuing education programs.
Submitting an agreement is voluntary; however, you must provide the requested information to obtain the benefit of approval of the agreement. Failure to
provide the requested information could delay or prevent processing the form.
You are not required to provide the information requested on a form subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB
control number. Books or records relating to this form or its instructions must be retained as long as prescribed in 31 CFR part 10. The time required to
complete this form is estimated to be 36 minutes, including time for reviewing the instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the form. Send comments regarding this estimate or any other aspect of the form, including
suggestions for reducing the burden to: IRS/Return Preparer Office, SE:RPO; 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW; Washington, DC 20224.

IRS USE ONLY
Approved
Name

Catalog Number 63274Y

Disapproved
Date signed

Name

www.irs.gov

Date signed

Form 8498 (Rev. 12-2018)

Instructions for Form 8498, Continuing Education Provider Application and Request for Provider Number

General Instructions
The Return Preparer Office is responsible for registering, renewing, and overseeing continuing education providers who offer continuing
educational programs to enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents, and other tax return preparers.
The IRS uses a vendor to process all requests to register, renew or add new programs as an IRS approved continuing education
provider. The registration and renewal fee is the same: $460.00 per year. Check should be made payable to “IRS CE Application Fee”.
This fee is non-refundable.
Purpose of Form
Use Form 8498 to: 1) register as a new provider of continuing educational programs being offered to IRS enrolled agents, enrolled
retirement plan agents, and other tax return preparers; 2) annually renew your status as an IRS-approved continuing educational
provider; and 3) add new programs to an existing IRS-approved provider continuing education curriculum.
Who Must Register
Anyone who wishes to advertise, and grant continuing education credits, for programs which are approved by the IRS for enrolled
agents, enrolled retirement plan agents, and other tax return preparers. A continuing education provider must be one of the following:
knowledgeable about the applicant's continuing education processes and programs.
●

An Accredited Educational Institution;

●

Recognized for continuing education purposes by the licensing body of any State, territory, or possession of the United States,
including a Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia;

●

Approved by a qualifying organization (an IRS CE accrediting organization) as a provider of continuing education on subject
matters designed for enrolled agents or enrolled retirement plan agents;

●

Recognized by the IRS as a professional organization, society, or business whose programs include offering professional
education opportunities in subject matters relating to Federal taxation, ethics, or professional conduct.

How to Register
Form 8498 may be filed electronically or by regular mail. The fastest and easiest way to have your registration processed is to
electronically submit it to the vendor. If you must file Form 8498 by paper, the processing time will be 6-8 weeks. To find more
information about applying to be a CE provider, visit: www.irs.gov/taxpros/ce.
If mailing Form 8498, send to:
IRS Continuing Education Processing Center
P.O. Box 1559
Sacramento, CA 95812
What to File
File Form 8498 with all required documentation. A list of attachments can be found under the “Provider Information” section of these
instructions. Note: Processing of this form may be delayed if the required documentation is not attached.
When to File
New applicants can apply anytime throughout the calendar year. If applicants are applying between Oct 1 and Dec 31 they must
specify if they are applying for the current calendar year or the next calendar year
Providers may renew their status for the next calendar year between Oct 1 and Dec 31 of the current calendar year.
Who Must Sign
Form 8498 must be signed by the owner, officer, or an individual who is authorized to sign on behalf of the applicant and who is
knowledgeable about the applicant's continuing education processes and programs.

Specific Instructions
1. Type of Application
●

New Application. All Continuing Education Providers seeking IRS approval to offer CE credit must register. Continuing
Education providers completing this application between October 1 and December 31 must designate whether they are
applying to offer programs in current calendar year or next calendar by checking the appropriate box.

●

Renewal. All Continuing Education Providers must renew annually to maintain their status as an IRS continuing education
provider. Enter your five character CE Provider Number from your Provider Approval Letter 4866. Failure to enter a provider
number will delay the processing of your renewal application.

Catalog Number 63274Y

www.irs.gov

Form 8498 (Rev. 12-2018)

Instructions for Form 8498, Continuing Education Provider Application and Request for Provider Number (cont.)
●

Request to add new program(s). A Continuing Education Provider who has had its educational curriculum approved in a prior
year, may add any new programs to its education curriculum by submitting a Form 8498 anytime during the year. Programs
must be assigned program numbers prior to the program being offered in the marketplace. Enter your five character CE
Provider Number from your Provider Approval Letter 4866. Failure to enter a provider number will delay the processing
additional programs.

2. CE Provider Name and Point of Contact Information
●
●
●

Full Name of Continuing Education Provider. List the organizational name that will appear on the certificate of completion
provided to the students at the completion of each program.
Continuing Education Provider's EIN or PTIN. Business entities should enter an Employer Identification Number (EIN), if
applicable. A Preparer Taxpayer Number (PTIN) may be used for sole proprietors with no EIN.
Provider's Principal Point of Contact (PPOC). The provider's POC should be the person primarily responsible for the
provider's relationship with the IRS. This must be someone who is knowledgeable about the company's continuing education
processes and programs. When an email address is given for the PPOC, communication will be sent to the PPOC's email
address alerting them to log in to their secure email box within the CE Provider Registration System.

3. Provider Information
●

i.

●

ii. Recognized for continuing education purposes by state licensing body or equivalent. Attach a copy of the recognition letter
or other acknowledgment received from the licensing body of a state, territory or District of Columbia.

●

iii. Approved by an IRS CE Accrediting organization. Attach a copy of your approval letter received from an IRS approved
Accreditor. A list of approved IRS approved Accreditors can be found at www.irs.gov/taxpro/ce.

●

iv. Professional organization, society or business filing for approval as a continuing education provider. If you are a
professional organization, society, or business registering as a "new" CE Provider, you must submit the following with Form
8498 for ONE program from each category offering below in #5: program material, program syllabus, program instructor
biography, program examination (if required), evaluation form, and sample certificate of completion.

Accredited Educational Institution. Attach a copy of the accreditation letter from a national or state accrediting body.

4. Continuing Education Provider Targeted Audience
Select all applicable targeted audiences for all programs that will be offered. For example, if a continuing educational program will
be offered to Other Tax Return Preparers and Enrolled Agents, check both boxes.
5. Program Information - the information requested below must be provided for each new program submitted. If more than
one program is being offered, include all of the following information for each program in an attachment. An incomplete
submission will delay the processing of your application.
●

Program Name. Include a descriptor to the specific program content in the program title.

●

Program Description. Succinctly describe the major elements or contents of each program offered in a manner that provides
sufficient information for the reviewer to make a determination that the program covers appropriate subject matter (federal tax,
federal tax-related, qualified retirement plan matters, or ethics). Also include the manner in which the program will be delivered,
e.g. speaker or panel; lecture or panel discussion; webinar; self study with test; on-line interactive; etc. If the presenter(s) is
prominent in the subject area, include that name.
For additional information about program descriptions visit www.irs.gov/taxpros/ce.

●

Number of Credit Program Hours. Enter number of credit program hours

●

Targeted Audience for Program and Category of Continuing Education. Select each applicable target audience and each
applicable category for which you seek authorization for each program. For example, if the continuing educational program
offered to Other Tax Return Preparers will include both ethics and federal tax, check both boxes. A program that covers state
law issues will not qualify for IRS continuing education credit unless at least 80% of the program material consists of a
comparison between federal and state tax laws. Note: Enrolled Agents enrollment/renewal continuing education requirements
have not changed. Any federal tax update programs completed will count towards an EAs federal tax requirements, with the
exception of the Annual Federal Tax Refresher course (no credit given for EAs).
Program Delivery Method. Select all methods that will be used to deliver program content. For example, if program will be
available as a self study and online group program, check both boxes.

●

6. Renew Program(s) – You may renew prior year programs you want to continue to offer by listing program number and program
name. Program numbers from a prior year can continue to be used if the program content does not change. (Additional programs
can be attached to this application). Note: Annual Federal Tax Refresher courses cannot be renewed. They must be added as new
programs each year to ensure course content is current.
●
●

Program Number. Include the full program number of the program you want to offer in the next calendar year.
Program Name. Include the exact name of the title of the program associated with the above Program Number.

For additional information about program descriptions visit www.irs.gov/taxpros/ce.
For more information and details regarding CE Providers and Accreditors, visit www.irs.gov/taxpros/ce.

Catalog Number 63274Y

www.irs.gov

Form 8498 (Rev. 12-2018)