The American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights (ACTR) – the trade association for the nation’s largest retail tax preparers, do-it-yourself tax software companies and financial institutions that offer tax-time financial products – released the following statement today regarding the Senate Finance Committee’s markup of the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act (“TAS Act”) that includes a wide range of tax administration changes intended to improve the tax-filing experience for millions of Americans:
“The members of the American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights, the trade group for the nation’s largest and best tax preparers and tax software companies, congratulate Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Wyden and the Members of the Senate Finance Committee for successfully marking up the bipartisan TAS Act, and urge the full Senate to consider this critical tax administration bill as soon as possible.
“ACTR members assist millions of American taxpayers each year in navigating our complex tax code and complying with their tax-filing obligations. Among other things, the TAS Act would make thoughtful, key changes to modernize IRS operations, expand Tax Court jurisdiction, reform the whistleblower program, and establish standards for professional tax preparers. These provisions take a balanced approach by emphasizing professional responsibility and taxpayer protection, while avoiding unnecessary burdens on qualified preparers. Furthermore, the bill seeks to crack down on so-called ‘ghost’ preparers, who prepare taxpayers’ returns but refuse to sign them, and increase penalties for a range of other offenses.
“Finally, we are pleased that the Committee adopted the amendment by Senators Cortez Masto and Blackburn to direct the IRS to establish an EFIN validation system. We have worked closely with the IRS for more than 15 years to combat identity theft tax refund fraud, and we believe this measure will enhance our anti-fraud efforts.”
“We look forward to working with Chairman Crapo and Ranking Member Wyden as this legislation moves forward.”
