George (Casey) T. Duren, Jr., ATP, of Rapid Tax Services in Covington has successfully completed the requirements for the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation’s nationally recognized Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) designation.

Established in 1973, the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT) is a non-profit independent testing, credentialing and monitoring organization that is dedicated to the highest professional standards.

ACAT’s Accredited Tax Preparer credential recognizes practitioners who demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the existing tax code and the preparation of individual tax returns with an expertise in comprehensive 1040 issues (including supporting schedules, self-employed returns, etc.) and ethics. A minimum of three years of work-related experience is required to apply for the credential. Through the ATP credential, ACAT establishes a uniform standard of proficiency in which clients and employers can rely upon when selecting an accounting, tax and/or financial services professional.

In addition, Casey agreed to earn 72 hours of continuing professional education credit every three years and to adhere to ACAT’s Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct in order to maintain accredited status.

ACAT is affiliated with the National Society of Accountants in Alexandria, Virginia. ACAT’s Accredited Tax Preparer exam is administered nationwide for three weeks in May and June and in November and December. For more information on ACAT and its credentials, please call (888) 289-7763 or e-mail info@acatcredentials.org.