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IRS to institute certification program for tax preparers

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By Elaine Morris Roberts, Staff Writer Updated 5:51 PM Tuesday, January 5, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — The Internal Revenue Service has instituted a program will require tax preparers to register in an effort to raise standards and decrease problems, the government agency said in a release.

The changes, which also include testing and continuing education, are based on results of the Return Preparer Review, a six-month study conducted by the IRS that was released Monday, Jan. 4.

The program will not be fully implemented in the 2010 tax year and may take up to three years to fully apply.

“Some components of the program will start immediately and the groundwork is being laid. All processes and programs will be in place by 2011,” said Eric Erickson, IRS media relations.

More than 80 percent of U.S. households use tax preparers or tax software, according to the IRS.

Anyone who receives money to prepare a tax return will be required to receive a federal preparer tax identification number issued by the IRS.

Many attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents are already using the ID numbers.

Traditionally, preparers have been required to provide a social security number as identification, so the program will offer en extra security measure to help minimize the possibility of identity theft, Erickson said.

For the current tax season, the IRS will ramp up enforcement and education in an attempt to stave off problems for tax payers.

About 10,000 letters will be sent to tax preparers, focusing on those who have been found to have a large number of returns with errors. Many of those who receive letters will receive personal visits from IRS agents to discuss “their obligations and responsibilities to prepare accurate tax returns,” the release said.

More IRS investigations will be undertaken to expose non-compliance by tax preparers. The IRS will work with the Department of Justice to pursue civil or criminal action when necessary.

The IRS reminds all tax payers using a paid preparer, Erickson said, to check credentials.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.

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Fantastic! I have been at it for over 20 years. For the Past 2 years I have worked with VITA and they require certification as well. The increase of errors seem to be growing these past years, and I am pleased the IRS is pulling the rings on this one.

Gil Padua
4:30 PM, 6/30/2010

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www.registeredtaxpreparer.yolasite.com

Registered TaxPreparer
7:00 PM, 6/3/2010

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I personally feel that the IRS is on the right track. I have been preparing taxes professionally for over 30 years. I have a small firm and efile tax returns for 4 Associates. We network, exchanging tax situations as we continue to learn and grow. I have taken the H&R Block twice and worked for them once.
I look forward to certification

Jerva
12:57 PM, 4/3/2010

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Basically all tax preparer depend 99% on their computer software for directions, unless they do it manually. Don't try to fool us u so called "tax preparers". That is why i have decided to do my own tax this year. I did not realise it was so easy a caveman can do it. Byebye tax cheaters.

Joan Kihiyo
1:17 PM, 2/6/2010

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I've worked for HR Block for 7 years and am an instructor of both our intro and advanced courses. Just for the record our basic cours is 13 weeks long and in order to work/apply it must be passed with at least 80%. All advanced courses also must be passed with 80% in order to be rehired. Also all returning preparers need at least 24 if not 30 hours of coursework to be elibible to be rehired.

alex
3:10 PM, 1/7/2010

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