IRS Seeks Public Input Into Tax Preparer Review

by Leroy Baker, Tax-News.com, New York

17 July 2009

The US Internal Revenue Service has announced a series of public forums at which individuals and members of representative groups will be able to provide input on the development of tax preparer performance standards.

The public forums are part of an effort launched in June by IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman to help ensure tax preparers are qualified, ethical and provide a high level of service. They will commence on July 30 in Washington, D.C.

“These public meetings will be an important part of the dialogue as we move toward a set of comprehensive recommendations by the end of this year,” Shulman said. “We want an open discussion on how to strengthen the overall integrity of our tax system.”

Two panels are scheduled for a forum on July 30. The first panel will give consumer groups an opportunity to provide recommendations. These groups include the AARP, Consumer Federation of America, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, National Community Tax Coalition and Low Income Tax Clinics.

The second panel will be made up of tax professional groups, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Association of Tax Professionals and the National Society of Accountants.

The IRS also plans to convene meetings with other constituent groups later in the year. Input will be sought from: federal and state organizations; IRS advisory groups; unaffiliated and individual tax preparers and groups; and private firms that support tax preparers.

Shulman intends to announce a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure minimum standards are adhered to across the tax preparer community by the end of 2009. The proposals will be submitted to the Treasury Secretary and the President, suggesting this is a high priority area of reform for the administration.

"We must ensure that all preparers are ethical, provide good service and are qualified,” Shulman said in announcing the initiative last month. “At the end the day, tax preparers and the associated industry must be part of our overall game plan to strengthen the integrity of the tax system.”

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