Kentucky CPAs must renew their license every two (2) years via the online renewal system from July 1 - August 1. CPAs with odd-numbered licenses renew their license in odd-numbered years. Those with even-numbered licenses renew their license in even-numbered years.
Continuing Professional Education ("CPE") hours must be completed in the two calendar years prior to the year a license is to be renewed. The two calendar years are referred to as the "reporting period". For those renewing their CPA license in 2023, this means all CPE hours must be completed beginning January 1, 2021 and ending December 31, 2022. For those renewing in 2024, CPE hours must be completed beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2023.
Notices for renewals are mailed in late June to the mailing address on file at the State Board Office. It is the responsibility of each licensee to maintain a current mailing address with the Board to receive renewal notices, newsletters and other information. Notifying the Kentucky Society of CPAs of an address change does not change the address on file at the State Board office. Pursuant to KRS 325.330(6)(c), failure to receive a renewal notice does not constitute an adequate reason for failing to renew the license prior to August 1st.
Fees and Deadlines
The renewal fee is $100 for a two-year license. Renewals must be completed on or before
August 1st of a renewal year.
Any individual that fails to renew by August 1 can pay
$200 to renew online from
August 2 – September 1.
Under state law, any license
not renewed by September 1 automatically expires and the holder of the expired license shall be prohibited from practicing public accounting or holding out as a certified public accountant. To retain a license an individual must meet the Reinstatement Requirements.
Licensees are responsible for providing correct information on the CPE hours they completed when renewing their licenses online. The Board audits the renewals annually for accuracy and compliance with the CPE regulations. You are
not required to send CPE documents to the board unless you are audited, but you must
retain records for 5 years.
Voluntary Surrender of License
If you do not wish to retain your CPA license, you may voluntarily surrender it. To surrender the license, notify the Board and indicate that you wish to voluntarily surrender your license. This requires a Board action and must be received at least 7 working days prior to the next scheduled Board meeting.
There are instances where voluntary surrender of the license is not an option. While this is not an all-inclusive list, the following are some examples of where voluntary surrender is not allowed:
- A disciplinary action is pending before the Board;
- Failure to properly comply with the CPE audit; and
- Failure to properly comply with peer review requirements.