In this 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, providing tax return documents to third parties, and requirements related to the retention of client records and other documents.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize Treasury Dept Circular 230 (applicable to those who practice before the IRS)


• Recall rules applicable to AICPA members


• Outline Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs)


• Identify key ethical issues SSTS #1 through #7


• Define AICPA project to review and update SSTSs


• List the six principles of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct


• Identify the risks and responsibilities surrounding the acceptance of new clients


• Determine safeguards for protecting taxpayer information, e-signing, and other data security issues

NASBA Approved

CPAacademy.org (Sponsor Id#: 111889) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

CPAacademy.org 1685 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite #205, Denver, CO 80222

EA Approved

CPAacademy.org (Sponsor Id#: HURS9) has entered into an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service, to meet the requirements of 31 Code of Federal Regulations, section 10.6(g), covering maintenance of attendance records, retention of program outlines, qualifications of instructors, and length of class hours. This agreement does not constitute an endorsement by the IRS as to the quality of the program or its contribution to the professional competence of the enrolled individual. Credit earned by attendees with a PTIN will be reported directly to the IRS as required of all providers. To ensure your CPE hours are reported, update your profile in My Account to include your PTIN number. Please note: IRS CE is only mandatory for EAs and ERPAs. For all other tax return preparers, CE is voluntary.

CPAacademy.org 1685 S. Colorado Blvd, Suite #205, Denver, CO 80222