The State Board thanks each of you for a successful permit renewal season! We know this is just one more thing on your mile-long to-do list, so we appreciate your attention and cooperation during this time of year. Our goal has always been to make this process as quick and easy as possible, so we hope we have achieved that for you.
Our online renewal system continues to be a timesaver for both CPAs and the State Board staff. When applications are submitted online much of the process is automated, which results in you receiving your renewed permit faster. Of the renewal applications received this year, more than 94% were submitted using the online renewal system. That is simply incredible!
After many years of feedback, we were excited to offer American Express as a payment option for the first time this year. We are looking at adding electronic check as a payment option for next year. In regard to those pesky passwords, we are exploring a solution for that in the coming year as well.
Throughout the renewal season, many of you reach out to us with similar questions. I’d like to take this opportunity to provide advice on some of those themes.
Q: I’m not planning on practicing public accountancy next year, do I need to do anything?
A: You have several options but doing nothing is not one of them. If you are under the age of 60 and/or might practice public accountancy again in the future, applying for an inactive registration would be the best option for you. If you are over the age of 60 and not planning to practice public accountancy again, you can apply for an inactive-retired status. If neither of those suit your situation, surrendering your certificate could be an option. In any case, please contact the State Board office to discuss which option is best for you.
When applications are submitted online much of the process is automated, which results in you receiving your renewed permit faster.
Q: I work in private industry and don’t practice public accountancy, can I still have an active permit to practice?
A: Yes, having an active permit to practice is not dependent on where you work. As long as you complete the required CPE and pay the permit fee, you can continue as an active permit holder.
Q: If I am doing tax returns for my friends and family and signing the returns as a CPA, do I need to register as a CPA firm?
A: Yes, it is recommended that you at least register as a Sole Proprietor.
One final theme I’d like to address is the difference between a firm permit to practice and a certificate of registration for professional corporations and limited liability companies. For some firms, renewal of both occurs at the same time and can be confusing.
- The firm’s permit to practice expires every year on June 30 and requires renewal with the State Board. This permit allows the firm to practice public accountancy in Nebraska.
- A certificate of registration is a requirement of the Nebraska Secretary of State and needs to be sent to the Secretary of State’s office within 30 days of the expiration date in which the firm’s Articles of Incorporation were filed. This certificate, which the firm will need to request from the State Board, tells the Secretary of State that the firm meets the requirements for licensure to practice public accountancy in Nebraska. The State Board sends a reminder to firms to request a certificate of registration one month prior to when it is due to the Secretary of State.
If you have questions about the permit renewal process or certificates of registration, contact Kristen VanWinkle, administrator for the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, at (402) 471-3595 or kristen.vanwinkle@nebraska.gov.
