AN ACT RELATING TO TAXATION -- TAX PREPARERS ACT OF 2013

This bill, titled the Tax Preparers Act of 2013, establishes rules and penalties for tax return preparers in the state, specifically targeting those who act as "ghost preparers" or intentionally mislead clients. It defines a ghost preparer as someone who prepares tax returns without properly identifying themselves or complying with federal identification requirements, and clarifies who qualifies as a tax return preparer under state law. The legislation requires all preparers to sign returns with their Preparer Tax Identification Number and prohibits them from facilitating ghost preparation activities. Penalties range from $500 to $10,000 depending on the severity of violations, including willful fraud or misleading taxpayers, and the tax administrator may suspend or revoke a preparer's license for noncompliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that the tax administrator publish a list of preparers whose privileges have been suspended or revoked.