WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service said this week it has secured 56 indictments, 25 convictions and 21 civil injunctions since January 1 as part of its effort to cut down on the number of unscrupulous tax return preparers. There have also been more than 5,000 field visits to tax return preparers during the federal government's fiscal year. The legal actions were the result of the IRS's work with the Department of Justice. It also conducted 320 undercover visits to preparers. The agency said it would continue to work with the DOJ to pursue appropriate civil and criminal actions.

The IRS also pointed out its efforts to improve overall performance by preparers by its plans to require paid preparers to obtain PTINs and to require testing and continuing education for those who are not CPAs, Enrolled Agents or tax attorneys.