Here’s a memo for all paid tax preparers. After Saturday, you will need to provide the IRS with a business address, professional certifications, and the previous year’s tax returns, and you will also be required to obtain an I.D. number.
The IRS is announcing the new rules to validate tax preparers, and to hold them accountable. Competency testing and continued education will be included in the regulations in the near future. The IRS urges all taxpayers who use paid preparers to check the I.D. or PTN number of their preparer before sending in their forms. The IRS is reported to be trying to weed out fly-by-night operators.
