In this online Ethics CPE webinar, we will discuss sources and standards of tax ethics and best practices to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. In reviewing the requirements of Circular 230, the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, we will touch on common practice issues including: what standards must be met to take a position on a tax return, when you can omit an answer to a question on a tax return, when you must verify information provided by a taxpayer or third party, the use of estimates, correcting errors and omissions on returns, responsibilities when faced with a conflict of interest, and the form and content of advice provided to taxpayers. We will also discuss the necessity of establishing data security plans, requirements for providing tax return documents to third parties, and requirements related to the retention of client records and other documents.

This online Ethics CPE webinar covers following key topics:

1. Introduction and discussion of general ethics principles

2. Sources of Rules and Standards Related to Tax Ethics including discussion of the following sections:

§10.21 Knowledge of client’s omission
§10.22 Diligence as to accuracy
§10.27 Fees
§10.28 Return of client’s records
§10.29 Conflicting interests
§10.30 Solicitation
§10.33 Best Practices for Tax Advisors
§10.34 Standards with respect to tax returns and documents, affidavits and other papers
§10.35 Competence
§10.36 Procedures to ensure compliance
§10.37 Requirements for written advice

3. Other Rules of Conduct applicable to tax professionals

Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs)
Review SSTS #1 through # 7 with key ethical issues highlighted
Briefly discuss AICPA project to review and update SSTSs

4. To discuss the six principles and key sections applicable to tax practice and state Board Rules and Regulations.

Responsibilities
Serve the public interest
Integrity
Objectivity and Independence
Due care
Scope and nature of services

5. Risk Mitigation

The importance of engagement letters
Client acceptance and monitoring
Data security and privacy

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Objectives

To recognize the major sources of malpractice claims in a tax practice
To identify the primary benefits of client engagement letters
To construct engagement letters using best practices to limit malpractice risk
To develop best practices surrounding client acceptance and monitoring
To recognize the key components of data security and privacy plans for your firm

Recommended For

This tax ethics CE approved by IRS is recommended for CPAs, EAs, AFSPs, and other Tax practitioners desiring to fulfil their regulatory ethics requirements.