In Nearby Connecticut, Governor Signs New Law For Tax Preparers

On July 7th, CT Governor Dan Malloy signed into law, Public Act 17-147, which sets tax preparation requirements and regulations in Connecticut. Included in the legislation are tax preparer error penalties and disciplinary authorization. Effective January 1, 2019, registration is mandated every two years for preparers who are not attorneys, enrolled agents, CPAs or TCE/VITA volunteers. CT registered tax preparers must demonstrate the experience, training, and education in tax. Such evidence includes after January 1st, 2020, a certificate of completion of the IRS annual filing season program.

The new law also

• Restricts RAL fees that can be assessed by tax preparers. 
• Prohibits unnecessary delaying actions of tax preparers in providing and returning taxpayer records.
• Sets an initial $100 registration fee and every two years after a $50 renewal fee
• Establishes effective October 1, 2018 a "prior to providing tax preparation services" written disclosure requirement that includes tax preparer name, address, phone number, an estimate of the tax preparation fee and a warranty that tax preparer will safeguard the taxpayer's personal and tax information.