GAO study finds serious errors by chain tax preparers.

• Position: National

Serious errors by paid tax return preparers were the subject of Government Accountability Office (GAO) testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance.

Despite the importance of paid tax return preparers in helping taxpayers fulfill their obligations, little data exists on the quality of services such preparers provide.

The GAO was asked to determine the following:

* What are the characteristics of tax returns filed by paid preparers?

* What government regulation exists for paid preparers?

* What are the specific issues taxpayers might encounter in using paid preparers?

GAO visits to commercial preparers...