Toward a better tax preparer...

Tax preparers, be prepared. The IRS today announced an initiative focused on tax preparers, with the twin goals of getting more people to pay what they owe and "ensuring uniform and high ethical standards of conduct for tax preparers." The process, which will include fact-finding and conversations with tax preparers and taxpayers, is designed to generate recommendations to the Treasury and the President that could include more regulation of tax preparers, more training, and more enforcement, the IRS says.

That can only be for the good for taxpayers, judging from the slew of tax practices the Justice Department prosecutes each year for fraud and other illegalities.

To make sure your tax preparer is both expert and ethical, check out our article on tax preparers. And if you regularly pay quarterly estimated income taxes, remember: June 15 is the deadline for your next payment!—Tobie Stanger