Tax Preparer Ethical Guidelines: Navigating IRS Compliance

The IRS processes over 200 million tax returns annually, many prepared by professionals. As tax laws become more complex, taxpayers seek help from attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, and other qualified tax return preparers. To ensure these professionals understand their ethical responsibilities, the IRS published Treasury Department Circular No. 230. This document provides substantial guidance on ethical guidelines for tax preparers.

Key Aspects of Tax Preparer Ethical Guidelines

This course will explore the ethical guidelines for tax preparers as outlined in Circular 230. The course covers rules for practicing before the IRS, duties and restrictions, and sanctions for violations. We will discuss requirements for tax return preparers and present real-world scenarios to illustrate ethical challenges.

Learning Objectives: Mastering Ethical Conduct

Upon completing this course, you should be able to:

• Recognize the permitted scope of tax return preparer responsibilities.
• Identify best practices for tax advisers in preparing or assisting in the preparation of submissions to the IRS.
• List practitioner duties and restrictions regarding:
  • 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
  • Solicitation of business
• List the various sanctions that may be imposed for a preparer’s failure to comply with applicable conduct rules.

Ideal Audience for This Course

This course is ideal for tax professionals, including CPAs, attorneys, enrolled agents, and other qualified tax preparers. It is also beneficial for those seeking to understand and navigate the ethical challenges and responsibilities in tax preparation.

Enroll now to enhance your understanding of ethical guidelines and improve your professional conduct as a tax preparer.