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    Harder line on tax preparers is good for us and the Treasury

    Consumer Reports News: January 04, 2010 04:16 PM

    The IRS's announcement today that it would require registration, testing, and continuing education of the nation's paid tax preparers is a step in the right direction for the taxpaying public. If it works as planned, the effort should help the IRS weed out incompetent, inethical and fraudulent preparers, and save taxpayers and the Treasury big money in the long run.

    This change is particularly relevant to the Earned Income Tax Credit, a tax benefit that actually puts money into the pockets of millions of low-income workers. The IRS says errors related to claiming this credit top the list of taxpayer mistakes, and many people lose out or get the credit late by not applying for it properly.

    Of course, monitoring paid tax preparers also will help snare those who fraudulently help ineligible taxpayers obtain the credit.

    As tax season approaches—the first day you can file is January 15—Consumer Reports offers good advice on choosing a tax preparer. The I RS has its own advice, as well.

    If you'd like to try preparing your taxes on your own, check our advice on using tax software, and stay tuned to this blog as we rev up for Tax Season 2010. —Tobie Stanger

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