AICPA Supports IRS Plan to Register All Tax Preparers, Expresses Concern Over Wider Plan to Certify Non-CPAs

/PRNewswire/ -- The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants supports a proposal announced today by the IRS to regulate U.S. tax preparers by requiring nationwide registration of paid tax return preparers in 2011. The IRS's goals are to enhance compliance and elevate ethical conduct of tax preparers which are consistent with the AICPA's code of conduct and tax standards.

"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."

The IRS plans to conduct a campaign to educate the public about the need to regulate tax preparers and the AICPA will work with the IRS to help it implement the recommendations to meet both the public interest and CPA practice requirements.

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