GAO Urges IRS to Build Agency-Wide Strategy Against Ghost Preparers Across 6 Offices
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Oct 19
GAO Urges IRS to Build Agency-Wide Strategy Against Ghost Preparers Across 6 Offices
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Oct 19
Summary
A new GAO report said the IRS lacks a comprehensive plan to combat unethical “ghost preparers,” who often promise fast refunds, refuse to sign returns and can leave taxpayers liable for errors.
Six IRS offices currently track parts of the problem, but GAO said the effort is fragmented and does not give agency leaders a full picture or measurable goals for enforcement.
GAO recommended that IRS leadership review its data collection and case-tracking process, then create an agency-wide strategy with clear benchmarks; the IRS agreed with the recommendations.
Congress is also moving on the issue: the Senate passed a tax administration bill in late September to increase penalties on ghost preparers, while the House approved protections for victims.