Tax Preparer Regulation

Posted by Bruce Mc on Jun 21, 2009 in Choosing a preparer, News Flash, Opinions, Preparer, Tax Preparation | 1 comment

            I have been asked and asked about taxpayer regulation, and why haven’t I posted about?

            In my opinion all the talk about the regulation is just hype. Meaning, Our government, in my opinion is just trying to build up how they want to work for you. All well and good, but to actually implement something is going to be a whole other story. For now, everyone is just looking at the idea.

            My friend Robert (a.k.a. The Wondering Tax Pro), has several post that if you really want my opinion then look to his as he and I see this the same. Below are links to the best gab on Tax Preparer Regulation. I recommend to everyone, to read them. 

From Joe K. at Roth & Company, P.C. 

• Yes, I still don’t want to regulate preparers (With two in-depth comments that must also be read)
• Whither preparer licensing? (long but read it all anyway)
• Licensing tax preparers?
• IRS moves to regulate preparers 
• Wasting money: what’s the big deal?
• Level playing fields?
• Taxpayer advocate calls for raising taxpayer costs, reducing preparer supply.

From Robert F. at The Wandering Tax Pro 

• SO WHY DOES THE AICPA OPPOSE REGULATION OF UNENROLLED PREPARERS?  (Overall my favorite.)
• LICENSE AND REGISTRATION, PLEASE (with a lengthy comment on my two cents worth) 
• THE DEBATE CONTINUES . . . COMMENTS ON A COMMENT
• IF YOU WILL INDULGE ME A LITTLE LONGER
• THE FINAL WORD!
• NEVER SAY “FINAL WORD”!

From Petter P. at The Tax Lawyer’s Blog

• IRS to License and Regulate Tax Preparers
• Tax Preparer Regulation: A Response to Joe Kristan (Another must read.)
• Tax Preparer Regulation: A Response to Joe Kristan’s Response to My Response of His Response

From Kay B. at Don’t Mess With Taxes 

• Tax preparer regulation debate heats up
  • IRS gets ahead of itself on tax pro regs
  • Tax pros, prepare for more IRS oversight
  • Tax pro regulation on the way?

From Trish M. at Our Taxing Times

• It’s Back! Again! 

From Kelly P. Erb. at TAXGIRL 

• But Tax Pros Are Already Certifiable… 

From Monica L. at The Tax CPA or Confessions of a CPA 

• Why regulation won’t work 
• Tax preparer regulation: Late for the party

From G.Christopher W at The Tax Law Report

• Opinion – Certifying Tax Preparers

 From Dan M. at Tick Marks

• Olson: Don’t Look for Mercy Here, Scofflaw Tax Preparers

Over all if you are wondering what I think, it is simple:

            Everyone who hangs out a sign declaring they prepare tax returns (especially in my opinion Individual returns), should be regulated or licensed to do so. CPA’s, Lawyers, EAs, anyone and everyone.