Jeffrey A. Schneider of SFS Tax & Accounting Services in Royal Palm Beach recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with several members of Congress and staff members as part of the annual National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) “Fly-in Day” on May 13.
Schneider was among more than 100 enrolled agents from across the country who visited Capitol Hill to speak with elected representatives about tax return preparer oversight, the Enrolled Agents Credential Act (HR 828/S 422) and tax code stability and reform. They started their day of meetings on Capitol Hill and ended the day with a celebratory reception at which Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) spoke.
Schneider met with Scott Parkinson, deputy legislative director for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.); freshman Rep. Gwen Graham (D-Fla.), and Hill Thomas, legislative director; Christopher Fisher, deputy chief of staff for policy for Rep. Patrick Murphy, (D-Fla.); and Jenny Jacobs, legislative correspondent for Sen. Bill Nelson, (D-Fla.).
The Royal Palm Beach tax preparer holds the enrolled agent designation from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Enrolled agents are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who specialize in taxation and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Enrolled agents specialize exclusively in taxes — that’s why they’re known as America’s tax experts.
“I was greatly encouraged by my visit and all the individuals I met with,” Schneider said. “Many of the provisions in the current tax code are not permanent, making it difficult for both businesses and individuals to develop annual plans that allow them to lower their tax burdens through smart tax strategies. I was also glad for the chance to focus attention on tax return preparer oversight. The IRS voluntary program does little to ensure that taxpayers are not taken advantage of by incompetent or unscrupulous preparers.”
Participants educated legislators and their staff about issues affecting tax return preparers and obstacles preventing the tax code from being fairly applied and reasonably enforced. “I participated in this true grassroots effort to promote the tax preparer profession and protect the American taxpayer,” Schneider said.
As a member of NAEA, Schneider must adhere to a code of conduct and meet annual continuing education requirements that surpass those established by the IRS.
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