I have been preparing returns for over 30 years. Now I need to be tested? The fact that they are not checking everyone, including CPAs and EAs, is ignoring the fact that some CPAs and EAs are resting on their credentials and not checking to see that all returns are done correctly in a timely manner, and without exhorbitant fees for the client. In this county, I have personally corrected every CPA and EA and not only corrected the returns, but saved the taxpayers literally thousands. Notably as well I have yet to charge what one CPA charged a client and that's after a year of doing their books! There should be a grandfather clause for those who have been preparing returns by simply auditing a few of their returns to see if they are done correctly. This should also be on all tax return preparers not just the unregulated ones. My education is just shy of 3 classes to complete the BA in accounting. The cost of the classes so far has totaled over $44,000 and at 63, I don't think I will live long enough to pay that off let alone do more. From what I have experienced the CPA designation does not mean much and just drives up the cost of taxpayers getting their taxes done. I would rather have a national flat rate with deductions for number of people in the family. Income under $50,000 would not pay anything. This could be done on a postcard and mailed in. We could do away with the IRS and have a private company handle the returns. At least they would know how to have proper customer service and not have calls unanswered and not even be able to leave a message. For Corporations the rate should be the same for all at 15% period.