Let's Test the Competency of Congressmen, Not Accountants

The surprise is that it took so long for someone to think of this:

IRS may seek licenses for tax preparers

WASHINGTON (AP) - The IRS is working on new rules that could require paid tax preparers to be licensed in hopes of reducing mistakes and combatting fraud, IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman announced Thursday.

Eighty percent of taxpayers get help with their returns, either from paid preparers or computer programs, Shulman told a congressional subcommittee. Tax preparers currently don't have to be licensed, unless they represent clients in proceedings before the Internal Revenue Service.

Shulman said he wants better leverage to make sure tax preparers act ethically, not only to improve enforcement, but to ensure that taxpayers get quality help in preparing their returns.

"Paying taxes is one of the largest financial transactions individual Americans have each year, and we need to make sure that professionals who serve them are ethical and ensure the right amount of tax is paid," Shulman told the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight.

The only problem I see with this idea is that each year we are treated to stories in the media where the IRS personnel can't give a straight answer to individual taxpayers as to what the tax laws mean and how much money is owed.

The track record of private accountants and tax services is not that bad, actually, or else the "I Love Government" media would be treating us to the same stories about tax preparers.

Personally I swear by TurboTax. But that's me.

Shulman said he will seek suggestions from the industry and consumer groups before making his proposals to President Barack Obama by the end of the year. The proposals could include new regulations or laws.

"I want to enter this with an open mind," Shulman said. "For me, everything's on the table."

Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., welcomed Shulman's announcement, saying professional tax preparers should be required to show competency.

"All sorts of people are being paid" to prepare taxes, Becerra said. "There's no clear standard."

Why doesn't the IRS solicit opinions from the people paying the bills: the taxpayer? Why go to the "industry" or "consumer groups" -- who are we talking about on this one?

And as for Mr. Becerra, D-Calif., I have a better idea. Why don't we have some sort of test for Congress-persons to show their competency.

After all, all sorts of people are being paid to pass legislation in Washington.

And there damn sure is no clear standard.