Proposal to create entry-level tax aide draws split testimony on workforce and regulation

House Bill 2,338 would establish a new lower-level, supervised credential to allow individuals to perform limited tax-office tasks under the supervision of a licensed tax consultant. Supporters said the measure creates an entry point into the tax-preparation profession; some opponents said it creates an unnecessary licensing burden and urged amending the bill to remove education or exam prerequisites.

The bill was discussed Feb. 25 by the House Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. Laura Cardokas, executive director of the Oregon Board of Tax Practitioners, and Rachel P. Bradley, vice chair of the board, testified the program was developed by board representatives and industry associations to address a decline in licensees and help people gain hands-on experience. Cardokas said the board and its associations are willing to change the proposed name from "Certified Tax Aide (CTA)" to "Registered Tax Aide (RTA)" to reduce confusion with certified public accountants and to ask the committee to adopt the -1 amendment allowing some substitution…