PURPOSE: This rule sets forth the requirements and restrictions for an inactive license.

1. (1) A licensee who is not practicing public accounting, as defined in section 326.256.1(18), RSMo, in any setting may be granted an inactive license. An inactive licensee may use the CPA designation only with the word “inactive,” “retired,” or “ret.”
2. (2) Licensees seeking an inactive license shall apply in writing on the form provided by the board and must submit biennial renewal applications in order to maintain inactive status.
3. (3) Licensees applying for inactive status shall pay an inactive application fee and a biennial renewal fee as set forth by rule.
4. (4) Individuals who hold a CPA certificate, and are not practicing public accounting in any form, are not required to hold an inactive license in order to continue to use the CPA designation as set forth in section 326.292, RSMo.
5. (5) Licensees may allow their license to expire in lieu of an inactive license status. An individual not applying for renewal continues to hold an expired license and may apply for late renewal until the license period ends. At the end of the license period, the individual is deemed to hold a lapsed license. Licensees who hold an expired or lapsed license shall not practice public accounting nor use the CPA designation in any form, as provided by section 326.292, RSMo.
6. (6) Individuals who hold a lapsed or inactive license may return to active status by applying for reinstatement of license as defined in 20 CSR 2010-2.075.

AUTHORITY: section 326.262, RSMo 2016, and section 326.286.6, RSMo Supp. 2019.* Original rule filed Feb. 23, 2010, effective Aug. 30, 2010. Amended: Filed May 20, 2019, effective Dec. 30, 2019. *Original authority: 326.262, RSMo 2001 and 326.286, RSMo 2001, amended 2002, 2017.