Accountancy Licensing Information
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- Current: Accountancy Licensing Information
Apply or Renew Online with MyLicense One
You will either need to register for or login to your Access Indiana account. Please read the below application instructions carefully. If you have held another IN license or have previously submitted an application, you must first link that record before you start a new application in MyLicense One. Just select "Don't see your License? Click here to Search for it." from the MyLicense One Dashboard.
Application Instructions
- Certified Public Accountancy License
- Completed Application: Submit online.
- Application Fee: No fee is required during submission of Application for first time applicants. This method is Board Approval.
- The application fee for Reciprocity or Transfer of Grades is $75.00 to be paid by credit or debit card for applications submitted online. All application fees are nonrefundable.
- If you are needing to submit an experience form with your application, click here and upload to your file once completed.
- Positive Response Documentation: If you answer "Yes" to any questions on the application, explain fully in a statement that includes all details. Include the violation, location, date, cause number, and disposition. Submit copies of court documents for each instance to support the statement. Please upload at the time of application.
- Name Change Documentation: Documentation of any legal name change if your name differs from that on any of your documents. Documentation may include a copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree. Please upload at the time of application.
- CPA Examination Grades from the state the Exam(s) were taken (Original Document): Required for Transfer of Grades and Board Approval application methods. Transfer of Grades applicants must request their exam scores to be sent by NASBA. NASBA will have already sent the exam score files of Board Approval initial applicants upon completion.
- Transcripts*: Please upload at the time of application if you are a transfer of grades applicant as your transcripts will not be included with your NASBA exam scores. Please note that Board Approval initial applicants' transcripts will be included with their NASBA exam files.
- Verification of Licensure: Verification or “Letter of Good Standing” for any registration/license/certification to practice any profession or occupation in another state or territory. Verifications must be submitted directly from the state of issuance.
- Issuance Fee: When your application is complete, you will be sent your Issuance Approved letter with your Invoice to be paid for the Issuance Fee. Please follow the instructions on the letter which inform you to log back into your MyLicense One account, select the PAY INVOICES button, enter your Invoice Number and Full Name as it appears on the Invoice to search. Once located, you will proceed to the payment processor and after payment is received, your license will be issued with 24 business hours. Each applicant will be notified by email of the amount based on 872 IAC 1-1-10.
*Not required for Reciprocity applicants. This information is confirmed on the Verification of License/Letter of Good Standing.
The Fair Information Practice Act: In compliance with Ind. Code 4-1-6, this agency is notifying you that you must provide the requested information, or your application will not be processed. You have the right to challenge, correct, or explain information maintained by this agency. The information you provide will become public record. Your examination scores and grade transcripts are confidential except in circumstances where their release is required by law, in which case you will be notified.
Mandatory Disclosure of U.S. Social Security Number: Your social security number is being requested by this state agency in accordance with Ind. Code 4-1-8-1 and 25-1-5- 11(a). Disclosure is mandatory, and this record cannot be processed without it. Failure to disclose your U.S. social security number will result in the denial of your application. Application fees are not refundable.
Abandon Applications: If an applicant does not submit all requirements within one (1) year after the date on which the application is filed, the application for licensure is abandoned without any action of the Board. An application submitted after an abandoned application shall be treated as a new application.
Academic Credential Evaluation Service: You must submit an Academic Credential Evaluation (ACE) Application through NASBA Licensing Services if you did NOT meet the state’s 150 semester hour education requirements for CPA licensure when you were originally found eligible to sit for the CPA Exam. Once your ACE Application has been approved, NASBA Licensing Services will communicate to the Indiana State Board of Accountancy that you now meet your state’s 150 semester hour education requirements, and you may proceed with applying for CPA licensure. If you met the 150 semester hour requirements for Indiana at the time you were originally found eligible to sit for the CPA Examination, an ACE Application is NOT required and you may instead apply for CPA licensure directly through the Indiana Board of Accountancy.
- Accountancy Firm Permit
- Completed Application: Submit online.
- Application Fee:
- Issuance Fee: $30.00
- Renewal Fee: $30.00
- Restoration Fee - Expired Under 3 Years: $80.00
- Restoration Fee - Expired Over 3 years: $60.00
- Once you submit your application, a licensing analyst will review the information. If you have failed to complete the forms properly, you will be contacted by email to remedy the problem.
- Activation of Inactive CPA License
- Forms: To be completed and submitted via your MyLicense One account. Please upload your tracking worksheet and CPE certificates as ONE file.
- All parts of Form 48541 - Be sure to insert information in all fields. If it does not apply, insert “None” or “N/A”
- Copies of CPE Certificates of Completion that are listed on Form 48541.
- List all your certificates including: Sponsor Name, Course Name, Date of Course,
- List your hours, in far right column “Number of Hours”. If the course was A&A, ethics check those boxes. If the course method of education was self study check the self study box.
- No Fee is required to activate your license.
- Once you submit your form(s) and Copies of Certificates, a licensing analyst will review the information that you submitted. If you have failed to complete the worksheet properly or you have not met the CPE requirements you will be contacted to remedy the problem.
- Upon receipt of all required information, your licensing analyst will notify you that your license status has been updated.
- Forms: To be completed and submitted via your MyLicense One account. Please upload your tracking worksheet and CPE certificates as ONE file.
Renewal Instructions
- Renewal Information
- CPA, PA, AP, and Firm Permits expire June 30 of every third year (2024, 2027, 2030)
- Renewal Fees can be determined by reviewing our fee schedule at the bottom of this page.
Renewal notices are sent approximately ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date. License holders with valid e-mail addresses on file will be e-mailed the renewal notice. Those who do not have valid e-mail addresses on file will be mailed the license renewal notice; this notice is mailed to the address of record with the Board. The Board has no way of knowing whether or not a notice reaches its destination; therefore, when a notice has been e-mailed to a valid e-mail address or mailed, the duty of the Board has been performed
- CPA Reinstatement Application
Reinstate to Active, Inactive, or Retired
- Reinstate Online! To confirm your license number, go to https://www.in.gov/pla/license/free-search-and-verify/.
- You will be asked to select the status to which you would like to reinstate: Active, Inactive, or Retired
- Upload the following documents online:
- Required for all Status requests: Letter of Work Experience of the licensee’s work history/activity (in detail) since your license expired.
- For Active Only: Continuing Professional Education Tracking Worksheet(s) Excel – Spreadsheet downloaded from Website - Contact our office if you are unable to utilize the Excel spreadsheet for an alternative. Click here to download the Excel sheet.
- For Active Only: Copies of CPE Certificates or Official Documents of Courses
- Fee: $190.00 – Expired more than 3 years $155.00 – Expired 60 days up to 3 years
CPE requirements to reinstate to an Active license status
- A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction obtained no earlier than three (3) years prior to the date the application for reentry is filed.
- A minimum of 10% of the total hours required for the reporting period, must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A).
- A minimum of 4 hours, for the reporting period, must be in Ethics.
- No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period, will be accepted as self study.
- Firm Permit Renewal
Login or register your business license (Firm Permit) using the registration code provided in your renewal notice. Prior to renewal of your firms accountancy permit, please determine the status of your firm's peer review. The renewal requires a response indicating if your firm's peer review is in progress, completed, or not required per rule. You should only select one 'Yes' response, which indicates the status of your firm's peer review during the three (3) year period preceding the renewal. This requirement is found in 872 IAC 1-6-9:
872 IAC 1-6-9 Requirements for firms
Authority: IC 25-2.1
Affected: IC 25-2.1-5Sec. 9. (a) This section applies to renewal of firm permits that expire on or after June 30, 2006.
(b) During the three (3) year period preceding a firm's application for renewal of a permit under IC 25-2.1-5, a firm shall complete a peer review in compliance with this rule, unless the firm is not required to have a peer review under subsection (d)(2) or (d)(3). Failure of a firm to complete a peer review may result in the denial of the renewal of the firm's permit under IC 25-2.1-5.
(c) Each firm where attest or compilation services are performed shall be covered by a peer review. A single peer review report covering all locations may be submitted for firms with multiple firm locations.
(d) Each application for renewal of a permit under IC 25-2.1-5 shall certify:
- (1) under the penalty of perjury, acceptance of the peer review report issued to the firm by the administering entity;
- (2) that the firm is not required to have a peer review to renew its permit because it has not performed any attest or compilation engagements:
- (A) since the last expiration of the firm permit; or
- (B) if the firm permit was initially issued subsequent to the last renewal, since the initial issuance of the firm permit; or
- (3) that the firm is not required to have a peer review to renew its firm permit because it:
- (A) did not perform any attest or compilation engagement within the first eighteen (18) months of the three (3) year period preceding the firm's application for renewal of its permit; or
- (B) obtained the initial issuance of its firm permit within the last eighteen (18) months of the three (3) year period preceding the firm's application for renewal of its permit.
Failure to properly complete the form could result in delayed approval or denial of your renewal application. Please feel free to contact Accountancy Board staff with questions at pla14@pla.in.gov..
Reinstatement
If your permit has been expired for three or more years, you may now reinstate online at MyLIcense.IN.gov. In order to do this, you must have your Firm Permit number and Registration Code. If you need your registration code, contact PLA at 317-232-2960 for the Call Center or email accountancy@pla.in.gov. - Continuing Education
Use the table below to determine the needs for your circumstance.
CPE Hours Required by Issuance Date: Total Hours Required for 3 Year Reporting Period Minimum Hours for Year of Issuance or Reactivation January 1 – March 31, first year of the reporting period 120 20 April 1 – June 30, first year of the reporting period 110 15 July 1 – September 30, first year of the reporting period 100 10 October 1 – December 31, first year of the reporting period 90 0 January 1 – March 31, second year of the reporting period 80 20 April 1 – June 30, second year of the reporting period 70 15 July 1 – September 30, second year of the reporting period 60 10 October 1 – December 31, second year of the reporting period 50 0 January 1 – March 31, third year of the reporting period 40 N/A April 1 – June 30, third year of the reporting period 30 N/A July 1 – September 30, third year of the reporting period 20 N/A October 1 – December 31, third year of the reporting period 0 0 "N/A" means that there is no specifically stated requirement for the year of issuance or reactivation because the licensee would have to obtain the prorated CPE hours for the three (3) year reporting period. Ethics hours are not prorated. (IC 25-2.1-2-15 and IC 25-2.1-4-5)
Exams & Testing
- National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
Examinations are administered by: National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
- CPA Examination Services
PO Box 198469
Nashville, Tennessee 37219-8469 - Toll Free: 1.800.CPA.EXAM
- Phone: 615.880.4250
- IN Coordinator Email: cpaes-in@nasba.org
- Website: nasba.org
The Board of Accountancy does not provide exam scores. You may contact NASBA using the information above or visit nasbastore.org to purchase a candidate score reprint or candidate score transfer.
- CPA Examination Services
- Examination Fees
All First-Time applicants are required to pay both an application fee and an examination fee upon submission of the first-time application. All Re-Examination candidates are required to pay both a registration fee and an examination fee at the time of registration with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
Education Evaluation Application Fee: $90
Examination Fees: Auditing and Attestation (AUD) $344.80
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) $344.80
Regulation (REG) $344.80Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR) $344.80
Information Systems & Control (ISC) $344.80
Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP) $344.80
Registration Fees:4 examination sections $110
3 examination sections $95
2 examination sections $85
1 examination section $70 - Tutorial and Sample Test
Location - CPA-exam.org
Effective with the July/August 2008 testing window, a change to the directions and the functionality of the research question type will appear in the Audit (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG) section of the exam.
The tutorial and sample tests reflecting the changes to the research question type are now posted on the CPA Exams website at cpa-exam.org under the heading Tutorial and Sample Tests. Please note, you will find two versions of the tutorial and sample test on the website one for candidates testing before July 1 and one for those testing after July 1. Select the appropriate version for the dates(s) you have scheduled your AUD, FAR, or REG examination.
To prepare for each section of the Uniform CPA Examination candidates are responsible for reviewing the Uniform CPA Examination tutorial and sample tests. Thorough familiarity with the examinations functionality, format, and directions is required before candidates report to test centers. Failure to follow the directions on how to respond, may adversely affect candidate scores.
- CPA Exam Changes & Extensions
(Updated 8/26/2022) The following Exam changes and extensions apply for Indiana CPA Exam candidates.
Candidates impacted by COVID19 who wish to request an extension to their Notice to Schedule need to complete the Exception to Policy form located at https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/indiana/ or contact cpaexam@nasba.org for more information. Each request will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
For exam extensions beyond 6/30/2021:
If your exam credit expires outside of this window, you will need to follow normal policies to request an extension. You must send in a request by mail or e-mail stating your Exam section(s) information including the expiration date(s), and reason for this extension request to RCannonMason@pla.in.gov. The Indiana Board of Accountancy will review these requests on a case by case basis at subsequent board meetings.Continuous Testing: Starting July 1, 2020, NASBA will begin continuous testing for CPA exam candidates. Under the new continuous testing model, candidates will have the ability to take the exam year-round, without restriction, other than waiting to receive scores from prior attempts of the same section or when there is a major change to the exam. Continuous testing will replace the existing CPA exam testing window model, which only permits candidates to test during designated time frames each calendar quarter. Learn more about continuous testing on the NASBA website at https://nasba.org/exams/continuous-testing/.
Testing Centers: Prometric resumed testing for the CPA exam in the U.S. on May 1, 2020. Prometric’s goal is to continue to open testing centers when and where it is safe to do so in accordance with all local, state and federal regulations. View the open testing centers at www.prometric.com/site-openings.
Review the latest frequently asked questions on the NASBA website at https://nasba.org/uniform-cpa-examination-testing-faqs/.
There are revised guidelines in place at the testing centers to protect the health and well-being of CPA candidates and staff that comply with local and federal mandates. Please review these guidelines at https://www.prometric.com/covid-19-update/covid-19-update.More information regarding testing during the COVID-19 outbreak can be found on the NASBA website.
Fee Schedule
- CPA Applications/Renewals
Fee Penalty Total Application $75 NA $75 Temporary Permit- N/A N/A NA N/A Renewal - Unexpired - prior to June 30th every 3 years $105 NA $105 Renewal - Expired < 3 Years - after June 30th but before 3 years $105 $50 $155 Reinstatement - Expired > 3 Years $105 $85 $190 Reinstatement - Retired $105 NA $105 - Issuance Fee Information
CPA Certificate of Registration - 3 years
Fee Authorization First year of cycle (July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022) $85.00* 872 IAC 1-1-10(b) (4) Second year of cycle (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023) $60.00* 872 IAC 1-1-10(c) (1) Third year of cycle (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) $35.00 872 IAC 1-1-10(c) (2) - Firm Application/Renewals
Fee Issuance Fee $30.00 Renewal Fee $30.00 Restoration Fee - Expired Under 3 Years $80.00 Restoration Fee - Expired over 3 Years $80.00
Frequently Asked Questions
- Licensee FAQs
- Question: I don't practice accountancy anymore, but want to maintain my license. What are my options?
- Answer:
- Renew inactive. Inactive licensees do not have practice privileges and do not have to attest to CPE compliance. Renewal is still triennial and the license fee is the same.
- Renew active. Active licensees have full practice privileges and must renew triennially and attest to full CPE compliance.
- Fail to renew. Licensees that fail to renew will expire and be subject to reinstatement procedures if a renewal is attempted. You can find the reinstatement instructions and forms located on the Renewal Instructions page.
- Answer:
- Question: How do I change my CPA status from Active to Inactive?
- Answer: You can only change your status at renewal or reinstatement.
- Question: How do I activate my inactive license?
- Answer: To Activate your inactive license to active status, you will need to complete the reactivation application and provide proof of 120 hours of CPE in the 3 years preceding reactivation (including 4 hours Ethics, 12 hours Accounting and Auditing, and no more than 50% self-study).
- Question: When can I switch to a retired status?
- Answer: You may select "Retired" status on your renewal application. Please note that "Retired" status is available only for CPA license.
- Question: How will the Board notify me of important updates or notices?
- Answer: Primarily, the Board uses electronic communications to send out important information. That is why it is vitally important to update all your personal information with the Board as it changes
- Question: I am not a CPA. I offer bookkeeping and tax preparation for my clients. How does my business fit into Indiana's Accountancy statutes and rules?
- Answer:
- Non-CPAs may operate businesses that strictly provide bookkeeping and tax preparation.
- Unlicensed individuals cannot hold themselves out as CPAs, PAs or accountants and should not advertise in a way that leads consumers to believe they can provide public accounting services.
- Unlicensed individuals can not issue audits, reviews, financial statements, or compilation reports.
- Answer:
- Question: I am a CPA. I only offer bookkeeping and tax preparation for my clients. Do I have to obtain a firm permit?
- Answer: A CPA that operates a firm and uses the terms, CPA, accounting, etc. in any advertising must obtain a firm permit.
- Question: If I want to do tax returns part-time, do I need to register myself as a firm? If so, will I be subject to a peer review?
- Answer: If you plan to do any side work, including tax returns, and hold yourself out as a CPA, you must register as a firm. You will not be subject to a peer review as long as you do not perform any write-up work including financial statements, compilations, reviews, or audits.
- Question: What firms are eligible to obtain a firm permit?
- Answer:
- The majority of the financial ownership and voting rights of a firm must hold active and valid CPA certificates to be eligible for a firm permit.
- The firm must have a principal place of business in Indiana.
- A firm of which only a minority of owners or no owners hold CPA certificates is NOT eligible to obtain a firm permit.
- Answer:
- Question: If I perform mostly write up work, is my firm subject to a peer review?
- Answer: Yes, the issuance of a financial statement requires a minimum of a compilation report unless it is a SSARS 8 engagement; therefore your firm is due a peer review. If you render only SSARS 8 engagements you are not subject to a peer review.
- Question: My firm operates at more than one location. Is a firm permit required for each location?
- Answer: No, only one permit per firm is required regardless of number of locations.
- Question: When is Peer Review required?
- Answer:
- All Indiana firms that perform ANY attest functions (audits, reviews, compilations or agreed upon procedures) must have a peer review completed once every three years regardless of the frequency these services are completed.
- Contact the Indiana CPA Society (http://incpas.org/advocacy-compliance/compliance/peer-review) for more information about enrolling in peer review.
- Answer:
- Question: What happens when a consumer files a complaint?
- Answer: Once the complaint is filed, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General will investigate and may file a formal complaint with the Board. Before that point and throughout the investigation, all consumer complaints remain confidential, even from the Board.
- Question: Is disciplinary action available to the public?
- Answer: Yes. After a formal complaint has been filed, it is available to view through the PLA website. Any documentation as to the final outcome of the complaint will also be posted on the website.
- Question: I'm a CPA. Do I need an attorney to represent me if a complaint has been filed against me?
- Answer: The decision to retain or consult legal counsel is entirely yours. The Board does not require that you hire an attorney.
- Question: Can Board action such as a letter of reprimand or probation affect my licensure status in other jurisdictions?
- Answer: Possibly. Most states require that licensees disclose disciplinary action taken against them by other state licensing boards or professional accounting organizations. Each state has its own laws and rules. The decision to file a complaint against a licensee for past disciplinary action is solely made by other jurisdictions.
- Question: I don't practice accountancy anymore, but want to maintain my license. What are my options?
- Continuing Education FAQs
- Question: When submitting your renewal as an Active license holder, you will be attesting that you have met the following CPE requirements:
- Answer:
- A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction during the three year reporting period.
- No less than 20 hours per calendar year.
- No less than 10% of the total hours (12 hours), for the reporting period, must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A).
- No less than 4 hours, for the reporting period, must be in Ethics.
- No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period, will be accepted as self study.
- Answer:
- Question: How is this enforced?
- Answer: Following each renewal, the Board is required to complete an audit of between 3% to 10% of licensees that renewed active. That is why it is critically important that you retain all certificates of completion for every class you attend over the three year reporting period. Retention of these certificates is specifically required by state law.
- Question: How much CPE do I need if my license was issued in the current reporting period?
- Answer: Please refer to the table in the Board's rules for more information (872 IAC 1-3-16).
- Question: What is the difference between Renewal Periods and Reporting Periods?
- Answer:
- License Renewal Periods
- Licenses have a three (3) year cycle.
- July 1, 2018 - expires June 30, 2021
- July 1, 2021 - expires June 30, 2024
- July 1, 2024 - expires June 30, 2027
- CPE Reporting Periods
- January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020
- January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
- January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026
- License Renewal Periods
- Answer:
- Question: What is the difference between group study and self-study?
- Answer:
- Group study is defined as education received through real-time interaction with an instructor and other participants may be in a classroom, conference room setting, telephonic, or by using the internet.
- Self Study is "designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject without involvement of an instructor."
- The Board's rules presume that online classes are self-study. Make sure that if the class was administered in a group setting, your certificate of completion indicates as much.
- Answer:
- Question: How can I tell if a sponsor will be accepted by the Board or not?
- Answer: The Audit Committee will review each certificate of completion individually and evaluate the credibility of the sponsors and the subject matter of the courses according to the requirements of the Board's rules, particularly 872 IAC 1-3. In evaluating sponsors, the Committee typically gives greater deference to sponsors that are registered with NASBA per 872 IAC 1-3-4(c).
- Question: I teach a college course in beginning accounting, can I include that class as CPE credit?
- Answer: You cannot receive CPE credit for day-to-day course instruction.
- Question: I want to take a course online; can I include that course as CPE credit?
- Answer:
- The course must be formally organized, primarily instructional, and designed to enhance your knowledge and skill in providing services in the practice of public accountancy.
- The Board's rules presume that online classes are self-study. Make sure that if the class was administered in a group setting, your certificates of completion indicate as much.
- Answer:
- Question: I plan to teach a CPE seminar. Can I include that seminar as CPE credit?
- Answer: You will be permitted 2 hours preparation CPE credit for every 1 hour of CPE instructed for the first time you perform a lecture. You will not be able to count this preparation time again if you repeat the lecture, instruction, or discussion leadership. This amount cannot exceed 50% of the required minimum of the subject.
- Question: Can I include lunch meetings and committee work with the state CPA organization?
- Answer: You are not permitted to include them as CPE. In addition, you can not include business meetings that relate to elections of directors or officers or treasurers’ reports and committee reports. You will not be able to include local or national professional groups. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
- Question: How do I calculate time?
- Answer:
- One (1) fifty (50) minute period is equal to one (1) hour.
- Twenty-five (25) minutes is equal to one-half (.5) hour. Half hour increments will only be accepted after one full hour has been completed.
- When the total minutes of a course are greater than fifty (50) minutes, but not divisible by fifty (50), CPE credit hours granted will be rounded down to the nearest one-half (.5) credit.
- Example: a course with a total of 140 minutes will equate to 2.0 hours of CPE credit. (872 IAC 1-3-3)
- Answer:
- Question: Can I take some college courses to meet my CPE credit?
- Answer: You can receive CPE credit for graduate level courses. PA’s and AP’s who do not have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration and economics may receive CPE credit for taking courses at an accredited university or college in accounting, business administration, and economics. (872 IAC 1-3-3.3) 4
- Question: I teach a college course in beginning accounting, can I include that class as a CPE credit?
- Answer: You cannot receive CPE credit for day-to-day course instruction. (872 IAC 1-3-3.1)
- Question: When submitting your renewal as an Active license holder, you will be attesting that you have met the following CPE requirements:
- Inactive License FAQs
- Question: What is the difference between Expired and an Inactive License?
- Answer: Inactive License holders maintain their license and pay the licensing fees but are not required to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE). An expired licensee has failed to renewal and pay licensing fees or participate in Continuing Professional Education at all.
- Question: Do I need to submit my CPE certificates and documents?
- Answer: Yes, you will need to submit all documents relating to Continuing Professional Education. You will need to submit our CPE Tracking Worksheet(s), along with copies of your certificates. See CPE FAQs for more information.
- Question: What is the difference between Expired and an Inactive License?
- License Reinstatement FAQs
- Question: What is the difference between Expired and an Inactive License?
- Answer: Inactive License holders maintain their license and pay the licensing fees but are not required to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE). An expired licensee has failed to renew and pay licensing fees or participate in Continuing Professional Education at all.
- Question: Do I need to submit my CPE certificates and documents?
- Answer: Yes, you will need to submit all documents relating to Continuing Professional Education. You will need to submit our CPE Tracking Worksheet(s), along with copies of your certificates. See CPE FAQs for more infomration.
- Question: What is the difference between Expired and an Inactive License?
- Firm Permit FAQs
- Question: If I want to do tax returns part-time, do I need to register myself as a firm? If so, will I be subject to a peer review?
- Answer: If you plan to do any side work, including tax returns, and hold yourself out as a CPA, you must register as a firm. You will not be subject to a peer review as long as you do not perform any write-up work including financial statements, compilations, reviews, or audits.
- Question: What firms are eligible to obtain a firm permit?
- Answer: The majority of the financial ownership and voting rights of a firm must hold active and valid CPA certificates to be eligible for a firm permit. The firm must have a principle place of business in Indiana. A firm of which only a minority of owners or no owners hold CPA certificates is NOT eligible to obtain a firm permit.
- Question: If I perform mostly write up work, is my firm subject to a peer review?
- Answer: Yes, the issuance of a financial statement requires a minimum of a compilation report unless it is a SSARS 8 engagement; therefore your firm is due a peer review. If you render only SSARS 8 engagements you are not subject to a peer review.
- Question: My firm operates at more than one location. Is a firm permit required for each location?
- Answer: No, only one permit per firm is required regardless of number of locations.
- Question: When is Peer Review required?
- Answer: All Indiana firms that perform ANY attest functions (audits, reviews, compilations or agreed upon procedures) must have a peer review completed once every three years regardless of the frequency these services are completed. Contact the Illinois CPA Society for more information about enrolling in peer review. If you have any other questions about peer review, contact the Board compliance department at 317-234-3025.
- Question: What is peer review?
- Answer: According to the IC § 25-2.1-1-12, peer review is a study or review of at least one aspect of the work of an individual or firm practicing accountancy that attests or issues compilation reports. These reviews are not performed by the Board of Accountancy. The Board of Accountancy appoints an administering entity who then matches reviewing firms with firms needing quality review. Currently, the administering entity is the Indiana CPA Society.
- Question: What is the difference between a system review and an engagement review?
- Answer: A system review is conducted on-site at the firm being reviewed while engagement reviews are conducted off-site.
- Question: What firms are required to participate in peer review?
- Answer: Any firm that performs attest services must complete a peer review once during the license cycle. Please see the Board’s rules for certain initial licensure exceptions. If a firm fails to have the peer review completed as required, the license may be subject to disciplinary action including renewal denial or revocation. 3 Question: Where can I locate more information about Peer Reviews? Answer: Check the Indiana CPA Society’s web page on peer review here: incpas.org/Public/PeerReview/IndianaFirms
- Question: How often do I need to renew my Firm Permit?
- Answer: Licenses have a three (3) year cycle as seen below:
Licensees have a three (3) year Cycle Renewal Periods Renewals Begin: Late Fees Begin: July 1, 2018 - Expires June 30, 2021 May 1, 2021 July 1, 2021 July 1, 2021 - Expires June 30, 2024 May 1, 2024 July 1, 2024 July 1, 2024 - Expires June 30, 2027 May 1, 2027 July 1, 2027
- Question: If I want to do tax returns part-time, do I need to register myself as a firm? If so, will I be subject to a peer review?
- Consumer FAQs
- Question: I think my CPA overcharged me for some work. Does the Board regulate fees charged by CPA's?
- Answer: The Board does not have the authority to regulate fees.
- Question: My CPA did not file my taxes in a timely manner, and now the IRS is assessing monetary penalties. I wish to receive restitution. Can the Board force the CPA and/or the accounting firm to pay these penalties?
- Answer: No. The Board's main objective is to determine if the licensee or licensed accounting firm violated the accountancy statutes and rules. If the conduct of the CPA or licensed accounting firm costs the consumer money, the consumer should file a civil lawsuit against that individual or firm.
- Question: How do I file a complaint? Complaints should be directed to the Office of the Indiana Attorney General (OAG) via their website (https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division/file-a-complaint/consumer-complaint/).What happens after I file a complaint?
- Answer: Once the complaint is filed, the OAG will investigate and may file a formal complaint with the Board. Before that point and throughout the investigation, all consumer complaints remain confidential, even from the Board.
- Question:Is disciplinary action available to the public?
- Answer: Yes. After a formal complaint has been filed, it is available to view through the PLA website. Any documentation as to the final outcome of the complaint will also be posted on the website.
- Question: I think my CPA overcharged me for some work. Does the Board regulate fees charged by CPA's?
Additional Information
- Information on Application Methods
- Board Approval – For applicants that have never held a Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) License in any US jurisdiction, have successfully completed the CPA exam in Indiana, and want to obtain your first license in the State of Indiana.
- Transfer of Grades – For applicants that have obtained education and experience and have passed the CPA Exam in another state, but do not currently hold a license in that other state.
- Reciprocity – For applicants that have an active license in a Substantially Equivalent State and wish to obtain a CPA License in Indiana.
- List of Substantially Equivalent States
*Note: Two Tier States may have separate Licenses and Certificates. Indiana REQUIRES the proof of License. Certificates will not be accepted. Holders of Certificates are required to submit Transfer of Grades Application.
States
Substantially Equivalent Jurisdiction
Territories
Alabama (Two Tier State)*
Idaho
Minnesota
North Carolina
Texas
Guam
Alaska
Illinois (Two Tier State)*
Mississippi
North Dakota
Utah
Puerto Rico
Arizona
Iowa
Missouri
Ohio
Vermont
Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands
Arkansas
Kansas (Two Tier State)*
Montana (Two Tier State)*
Oklahoma
Virginia
District of Columbia
California
Kentucky
Nebraska (Two Tier State)*
Oregon
Washington
Virgin Islands
Colorado
Louisiana
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania
West Virginia
Connecticut
Maine
Nevada
Rhode Island
Wisconsin
Florida
Maryland
New Jersey
South Carolina
Wyoming
Georgia
Massachusetts
New Mexico
South Dakota
Hawaii
Michigan
New York
Tennessee
- Other Documentation
The following will be forwarded to our office by NASBA CPA Examination Services for Board Approval Applicants. If your application arrives before we receive your transcript and grades, a customer service representative will contact CPA Exam Services and request the information be mailed to us.
- Files will contain:
Examination Application
Certified Original College/University Transcript
Transcript Evaluation
CPA Examination Grades
If you have any questions regarding your examinations or transcripts contact:
NASBA CPA Examination Services
- Toll Free: 1.800.CPA.EXAM
- Mail:
Indiana Coordinator
CPA Examination Services
PO Box 198469
Nashville, Tennessee 37219-8469 - Phone: 615.880.4250
- Fax: 615.880.4290, Attn: IN Coordinator
- Email: cpaes-in@nasba.org
CPA Welcome Packet: This packet contains information regarding renewal dates, CPE reporting periods, and FAQ's for new licensees.
- Files will contain:
- CPE Hardship Waiver
At this time all CPE requirements for license renewal remain in effect. You may review the Statutes and Rules by going back to the Accountancy Home Page.
Pursuant to IC 25-1-4-4, a hardship waiver for CPE can be requested of the Board. Please submit your request using the hardship waiver of CPE form to the Board no less than two weeks prior to the Board meeting to Accountancy@pla.in.gov. Please keep in mind that waiver requests are reviewed by the Board on a case by case basis.
- Pass/Fail Courses
Pass/Fail Courses: The Indiana Board of Accountancy will accept any course taken as pass/fail as long as the student receives earned semester hours for the successful completion of the course. The completed course must be on an official transcript from an appropriately accredited university, college or community college.
- CPE Audit Information
2024 CPE Audit State Form: State Form 55904 (R3 8 -24) - Accountancy Audit Packet
CPE requirements are summarized below:
- A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction during the three (3) year reporting period of January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023
- No less than 20 hours completed per calendar year
- 10% of the total hours for the reporting period, must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A)
- No less than 4 hours, for the reporting period must be in Ethics
- No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period will be accepted as self-study
- Hour requirements may be pro-rated for licenses initially issued during the reporting period (872 IAC 1-3-16) See Statutes and Rules
- Certificates of completion should state your name, sponsor of the program, name of the program, date of attendance, and continuing education hours received. Copies of program booklets, handouts, receipt of payment, hotel receipts, or cancelled checks are not acceptable as proof of attendance. Please be sure to include your name and license number on each item submitted. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS. THEY WILL NOT BE RETURNED TO YOU.
The deadline for submitting your continuing professional education certificate copies and the audit worksheet is: October 11, 2024.
Please upload your documents to your online portal: https://www.in.gov/pla/license/home/submit-document/. Mailed in documents will not be accepted. Please upload documents in bulk and not as multiple single files.
If you are found to be compliant, we will send you written confirmation. If you fail to comply with the continuing professional education requirements, you will be issued a Notice of Noncompliance pursuant to Indiana Code § 25-1-4-5 which will include the assessment of a penalty fee and require the completion of the required continuing professional education.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at:
Phone: 317-232-2960
Email: pla14@pla.in.gov