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Bob, as you probably know, CPAs must pass a rigorous test, participate in continuing education, are self regulating and expel members who do not/ can not/ will not abide by the regulations. In the tax industry, is there anyone who attempts to oversee a tax preparer? Although the AICPA and State societies do not specifically zero in on tax preparation, there is a CPA ethic that one should not take on an engagement one is not qualified for and a regulation that after one is licensed, that the CPA continue to add to their competency and knowledge through education. If the NSA feels strongly about having qualified preparers, why haven't they devised a set of rules and regulations to govern a membership? Perhaps if the NSA had done so, they might have put forth an exemption request of their own. Although there is no concrete reference to the IRS statistics in your blue highlighted paragraph bashing CPAs for tax preparation issues, it lacks logic. If the statistic is valid, what are the “more problems” the paragraph refers to? Does the “IRS show more problems” because of the tax preparation forms used or because of tax law interpretation? Are the problems found on audit or clerical review? Is it because CPAs prepare more complex returns than “other sources” or because CPAs prepare more returns than “other sources” – whatever it is, it’s unexplained and therefore loses its validity for me. From my perspective, the “competitive edge” you make reference to comes from the fact that CPAs are licensed and regulated while most “tax preparers” are not. Obtaining a CPA license is not an easy matter but the opportunity it is available to everyone. Maybe you should give it a try, perhaps your opinion might change. Thank you for expressing your opinion and reporting.

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