Billy Long, Trump’s Nominee to Lead the IRS, Touts a Credential That Tax Experts Say Is Dubious

Tax experts say they have never heard of CTBA as a credential in the tax profession.

The designation is offered by a small Florida firm, Excel Empire , which only requires attendance at a three-day seminar.

In most tax cases, only lawyers, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers at the IRS .

There is no evidence that either Excel Empire , Long or the firms that he worked for engaged in wrongdoing.

Long said he and his colleagues had helped only taxpayers who were entitled to the benefit.

Long pursued legislation to abolish the IRS and establish a national sales tax.

The IRS and the Trump transition team did not respond to requests for comment.