Return Preparer Review

The role of various forms of third party assistance in tax return preparation in the United States has become increasingly important. For 2007 and 2008, over 80 percent of all federal individual income tax returns were prepared by paid tax return preparers or by taxpayers using consumer tax preparation software. The IRS acknowledged this trend with the inclusion of the following objectives in its strategic plan: 1) Strengthen partnerships with tax practitioners, tax return preparers, and other third parties in order to ensure effective tax administration; and 2) Ensure that all tax practitioners, tax return preparers, and other third parties in the tax system adhere to professional standards and follow the law. In June 2009, IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman launched the Return Preparer Review to help accomplish these objectives. The IRS sought to have its review process be an open and transparent discussion of the issues with the tax return preparer community, the associated industry, consumer advocacy groups, and the American public. The IRS solicited input from a diverse community of stakeholders through multiple outlets. The IRS thanks the hundreds of individuals and organizations who took part in this review and looks forward to a continuing productive relationship to implement the recommendations in this report.