Legislation will ensure that tax preparers are competent and ethical

The Alabama State Senate yesterday passed the Alabama Taxpayer Protection and Assistance Act (SB201) in a unanimous 25-0 vote.  The legislation will provide for testing and licensing of commercial tax preparers in the state to help ensure they are competent and ethical and comes on the heels of Impact Alabama's statewide investigation which uncovered widespread fraud and negligence in the industry.  This legislation is sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of legislators led by Senator Quinton Ross (D-Montgomery), Senator Jabo Waggoner (R-Jefferson), Representative Tammy Irons (D-Lauderdale) and Representative Cam Ward (R-Shelby).

"This bipartisan coalition of legislators and the State Senate have done incredibly important work for the people of Alabama," said Sen. Quinton Ross, sponsor of the bill.  "This legislation will ensure a basic level of competency and honesty for those lower and middle income Alabamians putting their trust, legal liability for taxes, and financial health in the hands of preparers."

TAKE ACTION:  Contact your House Member and tell him/her to support this important piece of legislation.
You can find your representative's name and contact information at http://www.legislature.state.al.us/.

Please see recent press coverage related to the passage of the bill in the Senate:
Tuscaloosa News: Tax Preparers Close to Needing Certification
Montgomery Advertiser: Senate Passes Bill Requiring Standards for Tax Preparers
Huntsville Times: State Senate Passes Bill Regulating Tax Preparers
Birmingham News: On the Record with Stephen Black
Tuscaloosa News Editorial: Impact Alabama Works to Better the Tax Season