Circular 230 Ethics: An Ethics Course for EAs and CRTPs (2023/24)

Author: Jennifer MacMillan, EA

Electronic version only

This course provides an overview of Treasury Circular 230, highlighting those aspects that are most relevant to current tax practices, including understanding the current requirements for practice before the IRS; increased awareness of key sections of Circular 230; disclosure of client data; and legislative updates. Subject matter includes: Written Information Security Plans (WISPs); PTIN updates; legislative updates; IRS voluntary Annual Filing Season Program; CTEC updates; power of attorney; Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR); top violations subject to practitioner discipline; due diligence; taking a position on a tax return; conflicts of interest; written advice; negotiation of taxpayer checks; privileged or confidential information; safeguarding taxpayer data; client records; solicitation; FBAR compliance; tax preparer investigations; and much more.

Upon completion of this two-hour course, you will:

• Recall the requirements of a WISP when dealing with service providers
• Determine a tax practitioner’s responsibilities upon receiving a request for information from the IRS
• Identify the difference between “reasonable basis” and “realistic possibility of success” when taking a position on a tax return
• Recall when privilege applies to communications between a tax practitioner and their client
• Recall the tax practitioner’s obligations regarding FBAR compliance

Course level: Basic
No advanced preparation is required.

Want to order by phone? Call us at: (800) 277-2257

This self-study is designed to meet the requirements for the specified number of hours of continuing education. This self-study has been designed to meet the requirements of the IRS Return Preparer Office; including sections 10.6 and 10.9 of Department of Treasury’s Circular No. 230 (Provider No. CRA7E) and the California Tax Education Council. This does not constitute an endorsement by these groups. For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints or refunds, contact Spidell Publishing at (800) 277-2257. Spidell Publishing, LLC has been approved by the California Tax Education Council to offer continuing education courses that count as credit towards the annual “continuing education” requirement imposed by the State of California for CTEC Registered Tax Preparers. A listing of additional requirements to renew tax preparer registration may be obtained by contacting CTEC at P.O. Box 2890, Sacramento, CA 95812-2890, or phone at 877-850-2832, or on the internet at www.CTEC.org.