The Facebook farewell message of departing IRS Return Preparer Office director David Williams has prompted a number of good wishes and gratitude for his work.

“Thanks to Dave for all of his great work, and good luck in the future. Your leadership will be missed,” wrote Roger Harris of Athens, Ga. “I enjoyed every time I was able to see and speak to you. You will be missed,” added Enrolled Agent Laurie Ziegler of Saukville, Wis.

Most comments on the page were similar, though some did express criticism about the RTRP program and, more often, curiosity about where Williams is headed next.

For some two years, Williams spearheaded efforts to test and register tax preparers under the Registered Tax Return Preparer designation program -- a job that sometimes attracted criticism from preparers who resented having to test for the new designation or who because of the size of their practice didn’t find the fees for test prep, testing and CE to be worth the expense.

“He wanted a safer job as a crash-test dummy. Less chance to get hurt!” quipped EA Kerry Freeman of Anthem, Ariz.

“I have certainly appreciated the emphasis on professionalism you brought to the table throughout this whole process,” added EA Fred Davison of Norwood, Ohio.

Williams left the RTO at the end of August. In his farewell message, however, Williams did not mention whether his next posting will be with the IRS, but only urged preparers to test as a soon as possible and praised the service’s efforts to listen to all preparers’ concerns.