Individual Tax Preparers - Code of Ethics, Notification of Actions, Enforcement, and Penalties (Stop Scam Tax Preparers Act)

This bill establishes a formal code of ethics and rules of professional conduct for individual tax preparers in Maryland, which the State Board must publish by January 1, 2026. It strengthens enforcement by requiring the Board to notify the Comptroller and the Field Enforcement Bureau within five business days of any violations or disciplinary actions taken against a preparer. The legislation also grants Bureau employees peace officer powers specifically for enforcing income tax preparation laws and mandates that fines collected under the act be directed to a fund supporting tax clinics for low-income residents.