IRS Suspends Regulation of Tax Return Preparers After Friday's Court Defeat

Following up on my post, Court Says IRS Lacks Authority to Regulate Tax Preparers: 

• IRS Statement on Court Ruling Related to Return Preparers:

As of Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has enjoined the IRS from enforcing the regulatory requirements for registered tax return preparers. In accordance with this order, tax return preparers covered by this program are not currently required to register with the IRS, to complete competency testing or secure continuing education. The ruling does not affect the regulatory practice requirements for CPAs, attorneys, enrolled agents, enrolled retirement plan agents or enrolled actuaries.

The IRS, working with the Department of Justice, continues to have confidence in the scope of its authority to administer this program. It is considering how best to address the court’s order and will take further action shortly. Please continue to check this site as additional information becomes available.

• Accounting Today, IRS Plots Next Move after Court Invalidates Tax Preparer Regulation
• Bloomberg, IRS Stops Return Preparer Regulations After Court Loss
• Forbes, Attorney Who Bested IRS In Tax Preparer Regulation Case Speaks Out
• Fox News, Intuit 'Disappointed' in Decision Preventing IRS From Regulating Nonprofessional Preparers
• Thomson Reuters, IRS Rescinds Tax Preparer Rules After Court Ruling