OTHER NEWS - Sept. 22, 1994

IRS Sets New Rules on Electronic Filing: In an effort to crack down on fraud, the Internal Revenue Service is requiring professional tax preparers who file returns electronically to submit to fingerprinting and a credit check. The new procedures, detailed in a 47-page regulation issued Tuesday, also require preparers with access to IRS computers to be at least 21 years old and either U.S. citizens or permanent resident immigrants. The action, intended to screen out preparers with criminal records and severe financial problems, is effective immediately. It was taken after congressional hearings spotlighted unscrupulous preparers who claimed false refunds on clients’ electronic returns.