Tax Return Preparer Ethical Issues

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Chapter 1

• Recognize the scope of permitted tax return preparer responsibilities;
• Identify the best practices for tax advisers in preparing or assisting in the preparation of a submission to the Internal Revenue Service with respect to:
  • Client communication,
  • Establishing relevant facts,
  • Providing client advice, and
  • Practice before the IRS;
• Recognize the standards related to tax return and document preparation; and
• Identify the applicable standards for advising clients concerning potential penalties.

Chapter 2

After completing this chapter, you should be able to recognize practitioner duties and restrictions with respect to:

• Information to be furnished to the IRS,
• The practice of law,
• Dealing with taxpayer omissions, errors and noncompliance with U.S. revenue laws,
• The requirement for preparer diligence as to accuracy,
• Return of client records,
• The existence of conflicts of interest, and
• Solicitation of business.

Chapter 3

• Define the terms “censure,” “ suspension” and “disbarment” as they apply to tax return preparers;
• Identify the various sanctions that may be imposed for a preparer’s failure to comply with applicable conduct rules;
• Recognize how appropriate monetary sanctions are determined; and
• List the types of conduct considered incompetent and disreputable.