The IRS issued final regulations under Sec. 7216 that govern the circumstances in which tax return preparers can disclose or use certain limited tax return information.
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Topics
Practice Management & Professional Standards
Transferring Client Data Securely
It is critical for CPAs to maintain control over the transfer of data to assure that their clients’ confidential information is not compromised.
Tax Practice Quality Control
Practitioners should consider implementing a tax practice quality-control system.
Setting Up Firm Procedures to Fight Identity Theft
Ways tax professionals can help combat identity theft and educate their clients.
Helping Associates Achieve Work/Life Balance
This column outlines suggestions for helping a firm’s associates achieve a work/life balance that is appropriate for them.
AICPA Provides Guidance on FSA Certification Letters
Tthe AICPA has worked with the FSA to create a certification letter CPAs can use when their clients are asked to certify income and is providing its members with sample engagement and disclosure letters to be used in connection with providing a certification letter for clients.
2012 Tax Software Survey
More than 6,000 CPAs assessed the software they used to prepare 2011 tax returns, revealing what they liked and disliked about their software.
Circular 230, Section 10.21, and SSTS No. 6: Standards Relating to Taxpayer Errors and Omissions
Circular 230 SSTS No. 6 impose standards of conduct on CPAs who discover an error or omission in a prior-year tax return.
How to Start a Firm
Generally the trend in the profession has been the consolidation of firms to gain economies of scale and spread of overhead, but now may be a great time to start a firm and experience the benefits and burdens that derive from being an owner.
Interpretations of SSTS No.1, Tax Return Positions
Recently issued revised and updated interpretations of the AICPA’s SSTS No.1, Tax Return Positions, provide guidance to practitioners on tax reporting standards when recommending return positions or preparing or signing returns.
Due Diligence Update
This column discusses the tax professional’s due-diligence obligations under SSTS No. 3 and Circular 230.
Ethical Considerations in Reporting Use Taxes on State Income Tax Returns
As more states allow residents to report a liability for state use taxes on their individual income tax returns, practitioners will have to explain to clients their obligations in reporting use tax liability and address the professional standards for reporting use tax on a state income tax return.
Impact of Millennials on CPA Firms
As members of the Millennial generation continue to enter the workforce, CPA firms will increasingly need to focus on how to successfully attract, motivate, develop, and retain these individuals.
2010–2011 Revisions to Circular 230
This article focuses primarily on the Circular 230 tax preparer penalties and other sanctions as well as the regulations governing practice before the IRS that were revised by T.D. 9527.
Appreciation of Client Family Dynamics: A Case Study
Much of a CPA’s job involves dealing with family dynamics, and often this requires skills related more to understanding and communication than technical expertise. Three useful points should be used to improve practice management when families are involved.
Conflicts of Interest: IRS Rules Differ from AICPA Professional Standards
Circular 230 forbids federal tax practitioners from having conflicts of interest, defined as representation of one client that is directly adverse to that of another client, or representing a client in circumstances creating a significant risk that the representation of one or more clients will be materially limited by the practitioner’s responsibilities to another client, a former client, or a third person or by a personal interest of the practitioner.
2011 Tax Research Service Survey
Thousands of readers responded to the annual tax software survey, and for the first time this year they revealed what they like and dislike about their tax research services.
Incorporating the Statement on Responsibilities in Personal Financial Planning into a Tax Practice
This column explains the Statement on Responsibilities in Personal Financial Planning Practice, issued by the AICPA’s PFP Executive Committee, and discusses how practitioners can use it to help clients with personal financial planning.
Codification of Economic Substance Affects All Tax Practitioners
This column discusses uncertainty surrounding the codification of the economic substance doctrine and explores selected areas of impact on CPAs’ professional obligations and practice.
2011 Tax Software Survey
This article presents results from the 2011 tax software survey. More than 10,000 CPAs assessed tax prepartion products and provided detailed information about what they liked and disliked about their tax software.
INDIVIDUALS
Current Developments in Taxation of Individuals: Part 1
This update surveys recent federal tax developments involving individuals, including court cases, rulings, and guidance issued during the six months ending October 2025.
