I don’t believe additional preparer regulation is necessary. It will raise costs to taxpayers without increasing the quality of the service enough to make it worthwhile.
Peter Pappas finds the price increase a feature, not a bug:
The truth is, tax return preparation prices have historically been too low because of the lack of even a single barrier to entry into the profession.Tags: Douglas H. Shulman, Peter Pappas, Public Choice Theory
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Joe,
The increase in price is not evidence that tax regulation works, but rather, a consequence of it working.
And I don’t favor tax preparer regulation because it will make me more money. I don’t do enough returns for it to make a difference. I support regulation because I think functional illiterates with criminal records shouldn’t be preparing tax returns for a fee.
Having said that, you continue to make very persuausive arguments against regulation.
I’ll keep reading them.
Peter, thanks. I know your arguments for regulation are not self-serving, and that you sincerely think it will help . I apologize if I gave an impression otherwise (H&R Block, well, that’s another matter).
I just don’t think the small amount of improved preparer quality that may result will be worth the big increase in hassles and government power, or the millions it will cost clients.
And likewise I enjoy your responses.