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Bill

HB 7613

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Marszalkowski

HB 7613 establishes state licensing requirements and professional standards for tax preparers to protect consumers from fraud and incompetence in Rhode Island.

06/19/2026 Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 7613

Legislative bill overview

HB 7613, the Tax Preparers Act of 2013, establishes licensing and regulatory requirements for tax preparation professionals in Rhode Island. The bill creates standards for who can prepare tax returns and imposes qualifications, continuing education, and ethical conduct rules for tax preparers operating in the state.

Why is this important

Tax preparers have direct access to sensitive financial and personal information while preparing documents that determine tax liability. Regulation protects consumers from fraud, incompetence, and unethical practices while establishing professional standards in an industry that currently may operate with minimal oversight in many jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Licensing burden on small operators: Small tax preparation businesses and independent preparers may face compliance costs, application fees, and administrative requirements that could reduce market entry and increase service costs for consumers
  • Scope of regulation: Unclear whether the bill exempts CPAs, enrolled agents, and attorneys who already have professional licensing, or if it creates duplicate regulatory frameworks
  • Enforcement and resources: The bill requires state resources to administer licensing, investigations, and disciplinary processes; funding mechanisms and agency capacity are critical implementation questions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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