Sixty percent of American households use a tax preparer to help them prepare and file their taxes, according to a comprehensive six-month review
released by Shulman in January. Currently, many return
preparers do not have to meet any government or professionally mandated
competency requirements before preparing a federal tax return for a fee.
In 2011, the IRS will begin registering and testing federal tax return preparers. Continuing education requirements for Paid Tax Return Preparers will ensure that they, like Enrolled Agents, will keep abreast of changes in tax law and regulations. Higher standards for the tax return
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.
