Free Republic

A bill introduced by two House Republicans earlier this month would force tax preparers to undergo continuous training and pass costly, restrictive licensing exams. According to a report from The Daily Signal, Reps. Diane Black and Pat Meehan presented the bill as a way to fight tax fraud and other criminal activity.

The Internal Revenue Service said it will start regulating tax preparation companies for the first time. Tax preparers will have to register with the federal government and company employees will have to pass competency tests and stay up to date on tax laws by taking 15 hours of classes every year, the IRS announced Monday.