IRS Seeks to Regulate Tax Pro’s

But will new exam confuse taxpayers?

via IRS

The Internal Revenue Service kicked off the 2010 tax filing season today by issuing the results of a landmark six-month study that proposes new registration, testing and continuing education of tax return preparers.

AICPA reaction:

“The AICPA worked closely with the IRS during the public comment period leading up to this proposal and we believe this change will foster greater compliance with the tax code and better, more reliable service for U.S. taxpayers across the board,” said AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon.

“However, we have concerns about the IRS plan to provide tax preparers who are not already CPAs, enrolled agents or attorneys with a certification based on limited qualifications,” Melancon said. “A new IRS examination process may cause confusion among taxpayers about the relative qualifications of tax return preparers.”

With more than 80 percent of American households using a tax preparer or tax software to help them prepare and file their taxes, higher standards for the tax preparer community will significantly enhance protections and service for taxpayers, increase confidence in the tax system and result in greater compliance with tax laws over the long term.

To bring immediate help to taxpayers this filing season, the IRS also announced a sweeping new effort to reach tax return preparers with enforcement and education. As part of the outreach effort, the IRS is providing tips to taxpayers to ensure they are working with a reputable tax return preparer.

Read the rest at the IRS

Posted on January 4, 2010

One Response to “IRS Seeks to Regulate Tax Pro’s”

James Leeper CPA
January 5, 2010
IRS is so full of crap. Their potential proposal just proves they dont’t know sic em from come here about what we, as CPA’s have to go through to keep our Licenses. Why in the hell don’t they have to prove anything to us since they obviously do not have a clue about what they are doing and how much we, as CPA’s endeavor to keep the tax paying public honest and forthright to comply with their stupid regulations. I just wish the IRS would educate its people about the real world. I go to a meeting held by the IRS and it is evident to me just how uninformed they are and the real problem is they think they are so sharp. They are about as sharp as the head of sledge hammer.
James Leeper, CPA

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One Response to “IRS Seeks to Regulate Tax Pro’s”

James Leeper CPA