The New York tax department has launched the state’s first continuing education program for tax preparers.

The training program builds on the first phase of new regulations, tax preparer registration, which began in 2010 and impact 40,000 preparers annually.

Continuing education is phase two, and the state says it’s vital because 70 percent of New Yorkers hire tax preparers each year and the department processes more than 10 million individual returns annually.

The new training program will make sure for the first time that tax preparers are adequately trained. Those who complete 10 or more state personal income tax returns a year are considered “commercial preparers” and must complete continuing education requirements.

Certified public accountants, attorneys and enrolled agents are subject to other professional standards and are exempt.

(AP)