CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago's mayor wants the City
Council to pass a new ordinance designed to protect taxpayers from any
unscrupulous tax preparers.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel intends to introduce a measure this week that would, among other things, mandate that tax preparers inform taxpayers of their rights and also disclose any hidden fees.
In a statement Tuesday, Emanuel accuses some preparers of "preying" on taxpayers with promises of fast cash and rapid refunds that ultimately cost families money.
According to the mayor's office, commercial tax preparers charge low-income families on average $189 for every return. It claims that more than half are sold refund settlement products with hidden fees that can add up to $289.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
